Pakistan’s batting woes in the powerplay proved decisive in their 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener on Wednesday (Feb 19) in Karachi. Chasing a formidable 321, Pakistan crumbled early, managing just 22 runs in the first 10 overs while losing two wickets—a dismal start that set the tone for their eventual downfall.
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| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
The absence of regular opener Fakhar Zaman, sidelined by an injury sustained while fielding, forced a reshuffle. Saud Shakeel, stepping in alongside Babar Azam, scored a painstaking 6 off 19 balls (strike rate 31.58), while Mohammad Rizwan, batting at three, managed only 3 off 14 (strike rate 21.43).
Fakhar, despite returning at four, was hampered by injury, scoring 24 off 41 balls (strike rate 58.54). Together, this trio consumed 74 balls for a mere 33 runs, stifling momentum when aggression was critical in such high run-chases.
Fakhar’s injury—a back issue picked up during New Zealand’s innings—initially ruled him out of batting in his usual opening slot. However, with Pakistan reeling at 22/2 after losing Shakeel and Rizwan, desperation forced Pakistan camp to send him at No. 4.
Coach Mohammad Hafeez later explained that Fakhar, despite pain, was pushed to bat due to his experience and potential to stabilize the innings. Yet, his compromised mobility and inability to play freely—evidenced by facing 29 dot balls—rendered him ineffective, exacerbating Pakistan’s early collapse.
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Will O’Rourke (3/49) and Mitchell Santner (3/66), exploited Pakistan’s tentativeness. O’Rourke dismissed Shakeel and Rizwan with precision, while Santner’s spin tightened the noose during the middle overs. Babar Azam, unbeaten on 64 off 90, struggled to rotate strike with Fakhar, facing 29 balls, unable to shift gears with wickets tumbling.
Later, Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) and Salman Agha (42 off 28) offered resistance, but the early hole — dug by a powerplay score of just 22 runs — was too deep. Pakistan’s inability to capitalize on fielding restrictions, compounded by poor shot selection and an injury setback, handed New Zealand a commanding victory, exposing familiar frailties in high-stakes chases.
