Champions Trophy: Pakistan's 'subpar death over execution' allowed NZ's 'surprising' 320-run total, says captain Rizwan
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Synopsis
In their opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat to New Zealand, who scored 320 runs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed concerns over poor execution in the death overs. Pakistan must improve ahead of their crucial match against India, as they face challenges in their semi-final journey.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan lost to New Zealand by 60 runs.
- The Kiwis scored 320 runs in their innings.
- Mohammad Rizwan expressed disappointment over death overs execution.
- Pakistan's batting performance was underwhelming.
- Upcoming match against India is crucial.
Karachi, Feb 19 (NationPress) Pakistan's captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed surprise at New Zealand's ability to score 320 runs in their first innings, attributing the 60-run defeat in their opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy at the National Bank Stadium to poor execution during the death overs.
Despite losing two early wickets, New Zealand displayed resilience and strategic skill. Their top order, spearheaded by Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*), challenged the hosts effectively. Following Young's exit, Glenn Phillips became a game changer, boosting the Kiwis' run rate with a strike rate of 156.41, contributing 61 runs off 39 balls, including three boundaries and four sixes.
"They set a very good target; we didn't anticipate they would reach 320. We expected around 260 after taking early wickets. The partnership between Will Young and Latham was pivotal. We tried our best, but they played intelligently, which led them to that score. The pitch was challenging to bat on initially, but the innings from Will Young and Latham were essential. Our execution during the final overs was poor, which allowed them to achieve that total," Rizwan remarked during the post-match presentation.
However, Pakistan's chase fell short of the home crowd's expectations, marking the first major ICC tournament game hosted in the country since 1996.
After the early dismissals of Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, the innings from Babar Azam was underwhelming, as he managed only 64 runs from 90 balls, putting the hosts in a difficult position.
This loss leaves Pakistan in a challenging spot ahead of their crucial match against arch-rivals India. The defending champions must quickly resolve their batting issues, particularly their lack of aggression and failure to establish momentum early in the innings. With Bangladesh also in their group, the path to the semi-finals has become increasingly difficult, and any further missteps could be detrimental.
Rizwan stated his team will approach the important match against India without added pressure, treating it as just another game.
"We lost momentum twice, first in the death overs and then during the powerplay with the bat. The loss of Fakhar Zaman as opener was significant. We didn't want to burden ourselves by thinking of our status as defending champions. This match is behind us, and the next match is simply another regular game for us," he concluded.
