ICC Champions Trophy Begins
The ICC Champions Trophy got underway at the National Stadium, Karachi with the hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the inaugural match of the 8 nation tournament.
Pak Bowl Well Initially
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl on a pitch which had something to offer for the quicks early on and later was perfect for the slow bowlers. And as Pakistan wanted they had New Zealand in trouble early after a fine opening spell by Naseem Shah and a ripper of a delivery from Abrar Ahmed to get rid of the dangerous Conway. Williamson and Daryl Mitchell departed early too and NZ were in a bit of strife.
Young and Latham Consolidate
Will Young who was in brilliant form in India and the struggling Tom Latham got together to stitch a magnificent partnership of 118 runs to defy Pakistan. Young was fluent in his knock with his drives, cuts and pulls both effective and pleasing to the eye. He deservedly secured a ton and by the time he left, the NZ innings had surely recovered.
Phillips Tremendous Cameo
Glenn Phillips, another Kiwi in a rich vein of form, walked in the middle and gave NZ the much needed momentum. His partnership of 125 runs with Tom Latham ensured that the Kiwis reached an above par score. His 61 of just 39 balls with 3 fours and 4 sixes was crucial for the Black Caps.
A Return Of Form For Tom Latham
Tom Latham who has been under a massive cloud of wretched form, redeemed himself with a patient and valiant 118 of just 104 balls and remained unbeaten to guide NZ to 320 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings might have resurrected Latham’s drooping career with the Kiwis.
Pak Bat Slowly
The target of 321 was always difficult to chase with Pakista’s brittle batting order. An injury to the prolific Fakhar Zaman did them no good either. Saud Shakeel, made to open fid not last long and so did Captain Rizwan. Babar Azam on whose shoulders the innings rested played a painstaking knock and perished when it was required from him to push the scoring. His 64 of 90 balls was never going to be enough.
Salman & Khushdil Try But Pak Lose
Salman Agha played a quick cameo scoring 42 of just 28 balls, but perished trying to score quickly. Khushdil Shah coming into the side after a decent hiatus compiled 69 of 49 balls but it was all too little too late and Pak succumbed for 260 losing the match by a good 60 runs.
New Zealand The Better Team By Far
Lacklustre bowling and inept batting resulted in Pak’s loss whereas a professional approach by New Zealand and better skills with both bat and ball resulted in a comprehensive victory for New Zealand.