Karachi (AFP) On Wednesday, New Zealand trounced Pakistan by 60 runs in the Champions Trophy opener, ending the country’s historic return to hosting global championships after 30 years.
President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed thousands cricket supporters to the National Stadium in Karachi for Pakistan’s first International Cricket Council event since 1996.
However, the host team’s poor performance disappointed all 29,300 spectators, as Pakistan were bowled for 260 in 47.2 overs in response to New Zealand’s 320-5 in 50.
Despite Khushdil Shah’s scorching 49-ball 69, which featured 10 boundaries and a six, Pakistan were never in contention, while Babar Azam scored a more leisurely 64 from 90 balls, including a six and six boundaries.
Salman Agha hit a fast 42, including a six and six boundaries, but no one could match Latham and Young’s total.
Fast bowler Will O’Rourke concluded with 3-47, while skipper Mitchell Santner took 3-66 as New Zealand won their third match in a row against the hosts, having won the opening two tri-series the previous week.
“We were thinking of 260-280, but it shows what you can do if you have a platform and wickets in hand,” Santner told ESPN.
“Our ground fielding was good, and to get Rizwan out with an excellent catch by Phillips was outstanding,” said Santner after Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for three runs at backward point.
Rizwan mourned Fakhar Zaman’s injury, which prevented him from starting the innings.
“Losing (Fakhar) Zaman was crucial,” Rizwan said of the opener, who hurt his chest muscle while fielding.
“We didn’t expect them to receive 320. We expected around 260 runs, but they completed the innings well.”