With 16 balls remaining, Team Pakistan, captained by wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan, lost by 60 runs in the opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy at National Stadium Karachi.
Pakistan’s performance has been heavily criticized following the defeat. Given that Pakistan had lost to New Zealand twice in a row only a week before, there was already a feeling of apprehension and uncertainty around this encounter.
Since the Kiwis were seen as a professional squad with a mix of elite players, there was, to be honest, no faith in the Green Shirts’ ability to defeat them. Compared to Pakistan, their chances of winning the tournament appeared to be better.
