New Zealand Stun Pakistan in Opener

TDT | Agencies

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Pakistan’s long-awaited return to hosting a global tournament ended in disappointment as New Zealand handed them a 60-run defeat in the opening match of the Champions Trophy in Karachi.

The loss puts the co-hosts in a precarious position in the short-format tournament, where each team plays just three group-stage matches, making every result crucial for semi-final qualification.

New Zealand’s victory was built on superb centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, who guided their side to a formidable total of 321. However, the game turned early in New Zealand’s favour with a stroke of misfortune for Pakistan. Just two balls into the match, opener Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury while chasing a cover drive from Young and was forced off the field for most of the first innings. As a result, Fakhar, known for his aggressive strokeplay, was unable to open the batting when Pakistan set out in pursuit of the stiff target.

When Fakhar finally came in at No. 4, Pakistan were already struggling at 22 for 2 after ten overs. His injury appeared to affect his mobility, making it difficult for him to run between the wickets. New Zealand’s offspinners, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips, exploited his discomfort by consistently bowling away from his reach, eventually dismissing him for 24 off 41 balls.

Pakistan’s batting lineup never found momentum, with captain Babar Azam also failing to accelerate, taking 81 balls to reach his fifty. Despite missing key pacers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears due to injury, New Zealand’s spinners dictated terms on a pitch that offered turn and variable bounce. So dominant were the slower bowlers that Nathan Smith, their third seamer, was not required until the 31st over, by which time Pakistan’s required run rate had climbed close to ten an over.

The defeat leaves Pakistan with little room for error as they look to keep their semi-final hopes alive in the tournament.