Champions Trophy: Pakistan Chooses to Bowl First Against New Zealand in Opening Match
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Synopsis
In the tournament opener at National Bank Stadium, Pakistan, the defending champions, won the toss and chose to bowl first against New Zealand. Both teams are keen to make an impact in this crucial match.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first.
- Haris Rauf replaces Faheem Ashraf for Pakistan.
- New Zealand's Matt Henry comes in for Jacob Duffy.
- Both teams are under pressure as they aim for victory.
- Matches are crucial for advancing in the tournament.
Karachi, Feb 19 (NationPress) Pakistan, the defending champions, won the toss and opted to bowl first against New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament at the National Bank Stadium.
Haris Rauf replaces Faheem Ashraf in the playing XI that faced New Zealand in the tri-series final. In New Zealand's squad, Matt Henry comes in for Jacob Duffy.
As the reigning champions, Pakistan entered this tournament having triumphed over India in the final of the 2017 edition, under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed.
New Zealand is in Group A with India, Bangladesh, and the host nation, Pakistan, and they aim to secure their second Champions Trophy title, their last being in 2000.
Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Rizwan, stated, "We will bowl first. Observing recent matches, dew tends to appear later, so we want to take advantage of that. Being the defending champions, there is added pressure, but we will approach it like the previous tri-series. Competing in Pakistan is fantastic as well. Haris Rauf is fit and back in the squad."
New Zealand's captain, Mitchell Santner, commented, "The dew arrives later, but we have a task to accomplish with the bat. The pitch appears good. We have an excellent blend of experience and newcomers, playing some solid cricket. We have had the chance to face these players both home and away, so we are familiar with each other. The crucial part is adapting to the conditions here in Karachi. Although we have faced unfortunate injuries, we are confident in our squad. Matt Henry returns for us."
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke
