It was a historical day for Pakistan on 19 Feb 2025 as they welcomed a mega ICC tournament “Champions Thoprhy” on their home soil.
However, it was not the opening of this 50-over tournament that the hosts wanted as a result. In the opening contest at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan, New Zealand beat Mohammad Rizwan’s side by 60 runs.
Looking at a pitch, that did help bowlers, New Zealand put in a mega total of 320 runs at the cost of just 5 wickets in 50 overs.
Thanks to Tom Latham’s 118 not out and Will Young’s 107 for helping the Kiwis to put a mega total.
Naseem Shah took two wickets but gave away 63 runs. His bowling partner Harris Rauf made things worse by giving 83 runs in 10 overs and taking just two wickets.
Just like the bowling, the batting lineup of Pakistan was not able to make a sound impact as they got all out in 47.2 overs scoring just 260 runs.
Will O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner clinched three wickets and put the hosts on the back foot. They did get backing from Matt Henry’s two wickets.
After seeing Pakistan’s poor opening game show, legendary bowler Shoaib Akhtar felt that Pakistan have no impact player.
He said: “Pakistan plays very different cricket. Pakistan is not playing the cricket the world is playing. Pakistan has no impact players.”
Akhtar now hopes that Pakistan now do well against India, which in his eye is a do-or-die game.
He added: “With India, Pakistan have a do-or-die situation. Though India team is very very strong and it looks difficult but I still wish Pakistan the best of luck.”
Pakistan’s next game is against India at the Dubai International Stadium on 23 Feb.
