It’s a big day for Pakistan. No matter what lens you view it through, they are at the heart of the action. They are beginning the title defense of the only ICC event they managed to win in 16 years. They are hosting a global tournament for the first time since 1996. They have plenty to prove and even more to disprove, both on and off the field. And all that, with the margin of error razor-thin
The first of their three group-stage games is set to be played against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. Karachi has hosted 10 ODI games since cricket returned to the country, and New Zealand have been involved in seven of these. For the Kiwis, the venue is like a second home, and wouldn’t they love to grab some early points to steady their sail?
Pakistan lost both of their tri-series games versus New Zealand, and each of them were as convincing a defeat as it gets. Being in the group with their arch-rivals India, Pakistan can not afford the this match going down the same path. And for that, they need to check quite a few boxes. One of them would be for their batters to attain a slicker position than they did in the previous two games. In both of the tri-series games, New Zealand’s bowling halted Pakistani batters for very low totals; 252 and 242, respectively. So, the hosts should have a blueprint as to how they will tackle the Kiwis this time.
Team Overview:
Pakistan has been one of the least-injuries-affected teams in the build-up to the Champions Trophy, but they did lose someone as crucial for their side as Saim Ayub. To replace him, Babar Azam was made to abandon his spot and open with a more fiery Fakhar Zaman. But this move has not worked out in the favour of Pakistan. In three games as an opener, Babar, one of Pakistan’s more reliable batters, scored 10, 23, and 29. This seemingly weakened both the top and the middle order. But the question regarding Babar’s form lingers beyond his batting position. It’s no news that he has not been at his trademark best lately. Though ODI remains his strongest suit, Pakistan’s worst fear would be him not performing in his usual way despite being restored to his original position. He has plenty of relief in the form of Pakistan’s other batters, who have carried the team quite decently of late. Particularly Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha have proven to be reliable players. Some attention has to be shifted to the bowlers too. Haris Rauf is expected to return to the side after a low-grade side strain ruled him out of the tri-series as a precaution. With Haris back in the team, Pakistan might not be as miserable in the death, which should give the bowling lineup the morale they seemed to be lacking in the last game.
Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson, both, have been ruled out of the Champions Trophy as part of the tournament’s growing injured clan. It is also uncertain whether Rachin Ravindra, who got hit near his eye while fielding in the tri-series opener in Lahore, will play in the first game. The Kiwis have opened with Devon Conway and Will Young in his absence. Tom Latham’s impactful knock in the tri-series final bears good signs for New Zealand. The most important role for the side will be played, once again, by their spinners. Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner took the Karachi stadium by the storm in their last game here.
Head-to-Head Matches:
What else could be more telling about the tense competition both teams offer each other than the fact that they have an almost equal head-to-head record? Out of 118 ODI games both teams faced each other, Pakistan outdid the Kiwis in 61 matches, while New Zealand managed to get back at them in 53. Four games ended without any result. What will add more to Pakistan’s worries is the fact that they have never defeated New Zealand in a Champions Trophy game.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Karachi has historically boasted tracks favoring batters. A high-scoring total here is not an outlier. However, the venue tends not to let the batters hold the absolute sway. Bowlers get their share of assistance too. Expect a good game between bat and ball on a Wednesday, which will be a pleasant and sunny day in Pakistan’s largest city.
Prediction:
It’s tough to stick to one side, but several factors point toward New Zealand soaring away with a couple of points in this game.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad, PTV Sport, Ten Sports, Myco App
India: Star Sports Network, Network 18, JioCinema App
UK: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action, Sky Sport App
Australia: PrimeVideo
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ, Sky Sports Now, Sky Go
Afghanistan: ATN
South Africa: SuperSport Network
Bangladesh: Nagorik TV, T Sports, Toffee app
Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV, Sirasa TV
USA: Willow TV
Caribbean: ESPN Caribbean App
MENA: StarzPlay, CricLife Max, CricLife Max 2
