In a major setback for the Pakistan cricket team, opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the big clash against India on Sunday following an injury in the opening match of the Champions Trophy. Zaman left the field holding his lower back following a fielding effort to prevent the ball from going to the boundary
Despite the injury Zaman fielded for a while, but could not open the innings. He walked into bat at No. 4 but his struggle with injury looked evident. His painful stay lasted 41 balls in which he scored a breezy 24 before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell.
The marquee clash between India and Pakistan is set to take place on Sunday (February 23) in Dubai. It is a do-or-die game for Pakistan to stay alive in the tournament.
New Zealand Dominate Pakistan
New Zealand won the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 very comfortably by 60 runs. Tom Latham (118) and Will Young (107) batted brilliantly to take the team to a total of 320/5 in their 50 overs.
The Men in Green seem to have been lacking the intent in their batting while chasing 321 in Karachi. Khushdil Shah scored 69 runs off 49 balls with 10 fours and 1 six, but his efforts went in vain. Earlier, Babar Azam scored 64 runs off 90 balls with six fours and a six. William O'Rourke was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand with three wickets to his name.
Pakistan, who have already lost a game, would take on India in a do-or-die game in Dubai knowing very well that their campaign could end if they lose. The match against India will take place on February 23.
