Pakistan's Champions Trophy title defense has got off to a rocky start as they are on the brink of a heavy defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the opening fixture in Karachi. Chasing a mammoth target of 321, the hosts got off to a disastrous start as they lost two for just 22 runs. However, Agha Salman had given a glimmer of hope for the hosts as his brisk cameo 42 off just 28 balls injected life into an otherwise intentless run chase.
Salman walked into the crease after the fall of Fakhar Zaman's wicket in the 21st over, with the asking rate creeping up to nine runs per over. At the other end, even opening batter Babar Azam was struggling to get on with the run scoring. Zaman (24) tried a bit to up the ante, but he could not kick on score a big total.
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At the other end, Babar Azam was watching one after the other batters depart. However, in a very strange innings, so far from the former Pakistan captain, he decided to not attack, and rather play an anchor innings. His slow innings 64 off 90 balls eventually cost Pakistan the game.
New Zealand spinners turn the heat on hosts batters
Spin to win is the word often used for matches played in the sub-continent, and it yet again proved to be true, as New Zealand spin twins skipper Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell punctured Pakistan's run chase by taking wickets at regular intervals. The former took two wickets, while the latter picked up one wicket.
With no scope for slip-ups Pakistan needed to start well, but in the end, chasing 321 proved to be too tall a task for the hosts' fragile batting order.
