Fakhar Zaman's absence at the top due to an apparent muscular sprain proved to be a decisive blow for Pakistan as they struggled to get going in the first power play against New Zealand in the opening Champions Trophy game. Chasing a mammoth target of 321, the hosts needed to get off to a brisk start. Instead, they lost two wickets Saud Shakeel (6) and Mohammad Rizwan (3). The duo's dismissal inside the first 10 overs, has put pressure on rest of the Pakistan's batters.
In the power play, Pakistan could only manage to score 22 runs for the loss of two wickets. Credit must be given to New Zealand opening bowlers - Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke for managing to hit the right lengths on a flat Karachi surface. Skipper Rizwan and opening batter Babar Azam failed to even rotate the strike, as the Kiwi opening bowlers did not give an inch. It is here where Pakistan missed Zaman's presence at the top, as the southpaw has the ability to attack from word go.
Also Read: Pakistan vs New Zealand CT 2025 Match 1: Saud Shakeel opens due to Fakhar Zaman's injury
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Massive boost for Pakistan as Fakhar Zaman returns to bat
After the fall of Rizwan's wicket, Zaman walked into the crease to a massive round of applause from sparse Karachi crowds. The southpaw has to play a blinder of innings if Pakistan has to have a shot at chasing 321. For New Zealand the task will be simple - keep chipping away with the wickets.
