Defending champions Pakistan face New Zealand in opener

On Wednesday in Karachi, all eyes will be on hosts Pakistan as they face New Zealand in the opening game. The Kiwis are already plagued with injury issues especially in the bowling department, with Lockie Ferguson (foot injury) joining Ben Sears in being ruled out of the tournament. The attack will be led by the experienced Matt Henry along with Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy. “We’re lucky we’ve been over here for a couple of weeks and played in Pakistan quite a bit over the last three years,” New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham said. Recently, the two sides met in the tri-nation series in Pakistan. The Kiwis won all their fixtures including the final to take the trophy. However, Pakistan will count their positives from the tri-series. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha finished Pakistan’s top run-getter in the tri-nation, scoring 219 runs across three innings at an average of 73 and a strike rate of 100 with a highest score of 134. Even Mohammed Rizwan was in great touch as he and Agha helped their side to chase down 352 against South Africa. Karachi had hosted the last two matches of the tri-series. “We expect to perform well on such big occasions. The senior players have a bit more pressure on them. However, this is as big as it gets,” Pakistan captain Rizwan said.