New Zealand February 20 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): The comeback of a major ICC event after almost three decades remained unpleasant for the hosts Pakistan as they faced a blunt 60-run defeat against New Zealand to start their Champions Trophy campaign on a heart-rending note in front of the home crowd, at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Top notched centuries by New Zealanders Will Young and Tom Latham — topped with a stunning cameo by Glenn Phillips and a fine performance by the Kiwi bowlers — was enough to shock the hosts and defending champions in the tournament opener.
In all four Champions Trophy face offs, New Zealand now stands undefeated against Pakistan. The defending champions failed to chase down the 321-run target and were packed at 260 to leave the field with gloomy faces.
Young, who replaced injured Rachin Ravindra, posted a stunning 107 off 113 balls, studded with 12 boundaries and one six, Latham ensured to contribute an unbeaten 118 off 104 balls, with 10 boundaries and three sixes. The 118-run partnership for the 4th wicket was further nourished by Phillips, who came up with a stunning 61 off 39 balls innings. He was involved in a 125-run partnership with Latham to ensure a smooth run for the Kiwi’s innings.
Earlier, down to 73/3 in 16 overs, the Kiwis innings was bolstered by Young, who looked at ease in the middle by marking boundaries at regular intervals to ease down the pressure. The opener’s innings came to an end as Naseem Shah induced a miscued shot and substitute fielder Faheem Ashraf latched onto the catch. Following his wicket, Latham went on to combine for a strong fifth-wicket stand alongside Phillips. Earlier, Abrar Ahmed had handed the hosts early advantage with three breakthroughs inside the first 16 overs. With Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan opting to bowl first, spinner Abrar Ahmed broke the deadlock in the eighth over of the power play, cleaning up Devon Conway (10) with a ripper of a delivery. In the very next over, pacer Naseem Shah got rid of Kane Williamson (1), who lasted for only two deliveries before edging one behind to Rizwan. Haris Rauf, who made a comeback to the team after an injury that had kept him out of the recently-held tri-series, got into the act and removed Daryl Mitchell (10) with a clever change in pace as the New Zealand right-hander miscued the ball straight to the fielder at mid-on.
The ‘chase’ by Pakistan’s top order was never aggressive as half the side was back to the pavilion at 128 in 31 overs. Babar Azam did contribute 64, but he took 90 balls to achieve this milestone. Fakhar Zaman, who faced 41 balls, managed 24 on the scoreboard. However, the innings witnessed a major push, when Khushdil Shah (69 off 49 balls, with 10 boundaries and one six) and Salman Agha (42 of 28 balls, with six boundaries and one six) pumped up some action and put all their strength. Earlier, Pakistan was off to a poor start as Saud Shakeel (6) fell to Will O’ Rourke 6 off a thick edge to Matt Henry, who was standing at the third man. In no time, skipper Rizwan (3) was left shocked as Phillips took a stunner off Rourke. Zaman and Babar, thereafter helped Pakistan reach the 50-run mark in 15.2 overs. However, William O’Rourke (3/47), Mitchell Santer (3/66) and Matt Henry (2/25) stood out with the ball for the Kiwis.
Summary: Pakistan had a disappointing start to the Champions Trophy, suffering a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening match.