Pakistan’s Key Players Ready for Strong Performances, Haris Rauf Set to Play
The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off today in Karachi with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match. Despite concerns and negative reporting from neighboring countries, the tournament marks a significant event as Pakistan hosts an ICC event for the first time since the 1996 World Cup. This is also the first time in 29 years that Pakistan is hosting the Champions Trophy.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan, speaking ahead of the match, emphasized that the team had learned from their mistakes in the recent Tri-Nation series and was focused on overcoming them. Rizwan expressed the team’s intent to restrict New Zealand to as few runs as possible.
Pakistan made one change to the squad with fast bowler Haris Rauf included after recovering from an injury sustained in the first match of the Tri-Nation series against New Zealand.
The playing XI for Pakistan includes Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakil, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.
Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, and the entire squad are eager to deliver strong performances. Haris Rauf, now fit, will be included in the playing eleven, with the final decision made just before the match.
On the other hand, New Zealand boasts several match-winners, including Kane Williamson. The pitch at the National Stadium Karachi is favorable for batting, and both team captains are determined to secure victory.
