Champions Trophy: Pakistan wins toss, opts to bowl first against New Zealand

KATHMANDU: Pakistan has won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy.

As the host nation, Pakistan enters the tournament as the defending champion.

Pakistan Squad

Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

New Zealand Squad

Mitchell Santner (Captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.

Some matches to be held in UAE as India declines to play in Pakistan

India has decided not to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, leading to some matches being shifted to the UAE. The Indian team will play all its matches in the UAE.

The tournament features the top eight teams from the 2023 ODI World Cup, divided into two groups. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa form Group B.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. The final is scheduled for March 9 (Fagun 25). If India qualifies for the final, the match will be held in the UAE; otherwise, it will take place in Pakistan.