Champions Trophy: Rizwan in to stabilise innings as Pakistan off to slow start – Pakistan

Pakistan chase target of 321; seventh over complete.

Pakistan have begun their chase of the 321 target set by New Zealand in the opening match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy tournament at the National Stadium in Karachi.


Match summary by Abyan Amir: As Babar and Saud open under lights in the second innings, they have a formidable attack to face in the form of New Zealand’s new ball attack of Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke.

Earlier New Zealand scored 320 for the loss of 5 wickets. Latham was the top-scorer for New Zealand with a brilliant 118 not out, while Young rescued the New Zealand innings earlier with a hundred of his own after New Zealand were 3 down with just 73 on the board.

Death over bowling woes continued for Pakistan as they gave away 113 runs in the last 10 overs of the innings. Their woes were compounded by having just four men outside the 30-yard circle for the last two overs after being penalised for their slow over-rate.

At a ground where they chased down 352 with an over to spare just last week, this score is certainly attainable for team Pakistan notwithstanding the difference in the quality of the bowling attack. The full house in Karachi will be looking forward to a memorable chase by Pakistan under lights to win the opening encounter in the ICC Champions Trophy where every match counts.


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notes Williamson had gone 35 consecutive ODI innings without being dismissed under 10 runs before today.


WATCH: Our pre-tournament thoughts with Dawn’s very own Umaid Wasim and Mir Shabbar Ali.


attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team’s bus in Lahore in 2009, wounding six players. Top teams shunned Pakistan after the attack and it took the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) years to convince foreign counterparts that it was safe to visit.

Pakistan’s (L) and New Zealand’s (R) players stand for the national anthem before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19. — AFP

After losing the hosting rights to the 2009 Champions Trophy, Pakistan was also ruled out as co-hosts of the 2011 World Cup.

All seven teams, except India, will play in Pakistan for the current event in the three major cities.

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