Karachi: The fans’ wait is over, the players have rolled up their sleeves, the battle drum has sounded, who will prevail over whom? Everyone has made the best preparations, who will become the champion of champions? The battle will begin on Wednesday, Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy. The visiting team’s morale is high thanks to the victory in the previous two bilateral matches, however, the host side has also decided to make up for the defeats in the big match. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will be the axis of hope in batting. Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha are also expected to play well. The bowlers will have to stop the flood of runs. Haris Rauf has also become fit to support Shaheen Afridi, however, the decision on whether to field him will be made before the match. Naseem Shah and Abrar are also eager to eat some curry. On the other hand, the Kiwi team has the support of several match-winners including Kane Williamson. The pitch of the National Stadium Karachi will be favorable for batting.
According to the details, the waiting hours are over, Pakistan is fully ready to host the ICC event after 29 years, the condition of the three main stadiums has changed after the upgradation, now the green shirts have to defend the title of Champions Trophy with the best game on the field, but also meet the expectations of the home fans.
The Pakistan team’s performance in ODI matches abroad was excellent, however, the players disappointed in the triangular series at home ground, Rizwan and Salman’s excellent batting against South Africa led to the record target, however, they faced failure in both matches including the final against the Kiwis.
The team’s opening pair could not be set, Babar Azam was given the responsibility of opening the innings with Fakhar Zaman, but he could only score 62 runs in 3 matches, Captain Mohammad Rizwan says that Babar will open in the Champions Trophy, Fakhar’s overall performance is good, he and Babar can help the team score a big score with a good partnership, Kamran Ghulam was dropped after being a flop in the first match and was given to Saud Shakeel, but he failed in both matches.
Tayyab Tahir’s performance is average, Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha take the team out of difficulties, still a good game will be expected from both of them, Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah, who were selected in the name of all-rounders, have proven to be the weak link of the team in both areas.
The performance of Pakistani bowlers in the triangular series was disappointing. In the final overs, the opposing batsmen scored runs generously even on the bowling of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. They will now face the challenge of performing better. The only specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, has not proven to be that effective. The part-time slow bowlers are also just doing housework. The team will also have to perform well as a bowling unit to win.
On the other hand, the New Zealand team is confident due to recent victories. Senior batsman Kane Williamson is expected to perform match-winningly. Rachan Ravindra, who was injured while taking the catch in the first match, has recovered.
They practiced extensively with their teammates yesterday. Devon Conway, who played in 2 matches in his place, has also proved his abilities by playing innings of 97 and 48 runs. The team also has the best hard hitters and spinners.
The pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi is suitable for batting. Both teams practiced at different times yesterday. There is a lot of excitement among the fans for the match. All the tickets were sold out several days ago. A houseful is expected in the stadium today.
