———- Latham, Conway’s centuries lead New Zealand to win
———- Khushdil remains top scorer with 69 runs followed by Babar’s 64
Sports Desk
KARACHI: Pakistan failed to chase down New Zealand’s target of 321 in the ICC Champions Trophy opener, being bowled out for 260 at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.
New Zealand delivered a disciplined bowling performance, with Will O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner claiming three wickets apiece, following match-winning centuries from Tom Latham and Devon Con-way that helped the visitors set a target of 320 for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a poor start, with Saud Shakeel, filling in as a makeshift opener for Fakhar Zaman, dismissed for just 6 off 19 balls in the fourth over.
Captain Muhammad Rizwan joined Babar Azam at the crease, but his stay was short-lived. Rizwan was forced to depart after a stunning catch by Glenn Phillips.
Babar Azam was joined by Fakhar Zaman, and together they put together a 47-run partnership, taking Pakistan’s total to 69.
Fakhar, who had been dropped on 24 by Devon Conway at deep square leg, failed to capitalize on the reprieve and was dismissed by Michael Bracewell in the very next over, still on 24.
Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha attempted to rebuild Pakistan’s innings, adding a steady 58-run part-nership for the fourth wicket. Agha, in particular, took the attack to the New Zealand bowlers, while Babar reached his fifty.
However, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner responded by bringing in Nathan Smith, who made an immediate impact, dismissing Agha for a quickfire 42 off 28 balls, caught by Bracewell.
Pakistan’s troubles continued as young batter Tayyab Tahir failed to make an impact, falling to Mitchell Santner for just 1 run.
The biggest blow came when Babar Azam, looking comfortable after his fifty, was dismissed for 64 off 90 balls by Santner, further denting Pakistan’s hopes.
