Pakistan kick off their Champions Trophy campaign with a firm test against New Zealand here.The hosts have a stacked squad with talent in all departments with Mohammed Rizwan leading the charge. Rizwan’s side was tipped by former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Khan, who won the competition in 2017, to defend their title in 2025.
“Pakistan have a really good chance of defending that title and I think they have a strong team. Some of the boys from 2017 are still there and we’re talking about some of the best – especially Babar Azam,” Sarfaraz said in his exclusive column for the ICC.On the other hand, New Zealand have been plagued with injury issues especially in the bowling department, with Lockie Ferguson (foot injury) joining Ben Sears in being ruled out of the tournament.
The experienced Matt Henry will now be at the helm of the pace attack, with the onus on replacements, Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy, to take their opportunity and help the Kiwis make their mark on the event.
The two sides recently met in the Tri-Nation Series in Pakistan in the leadup to the Champions Trophy.The Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand showed great form, winning all their fixtures including the final to take the trophy.
In the two games that the Men in Green faced off against the Black Caps, the latter came out on the top by five wickets in the group encounter and by 78 runs in the final.While this gives a much-needed boost to New Zealand, it leaves Pakistan with some work to do ahead of the Champions Trophy opener.
All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been in incredible form with the bat as he finished as Pakistan’s top run-getter in the Tri-Nation series against New Zealand and South Africa.Agha scored 219 runs across three innings at an average of 73 and a strike rate of 100 with a highest score of 134, which came in Pakistan’s highest-ever ODI chase.
Along with Mohammed Rizwan, Salman helped his side chase down 352 against South Africa.Salman is also handy with the ball as a part-time spin option, making him a valuable asset for Pakistan.A modern-day great of the game, Kane Williamson of New Zealand showed great touch in the Tri-Nation series, being the second-highest run scorer.
Williamson scored 225 runs across three innings at an astounding average of 112.50, striking at 89.64 with a highest score of 133 not out against South Africa.His crucial knocks throughout the series helped New Zealand secure the trophy, giving his sidemuch-needed momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy. (UNI)
Squads:
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
