KARACHI: The ICC Champions Trophy has returned to Pakistan after a gap of 29 years, with the much-anticipated opening match taking place at the National Stadium Karachi between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to bowl first. He confirmed one change in the playing XI, with fast bowler Haris Rauf coming in for Faheem Ashraf. Rizwan said Rauf has fully recovered and is fit to play.
“We are the defending champions, so naturally there is some pressure. Dew is expected in the second innings, and that’s why we decided to bowl first,” Rizwan said at the toss.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner praised the surface at Karachi, noting that dew could play a role later in the match.
The tournament, featuring the world’s top eight teams, officially kicked off today. The much-awaited Pakistan vs India clash is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai, while matches will also be staged in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai
