Champions Trophy, Feb 19 - March 9

[Arthur Crabtree]

Slow over rate means fielding restrictions for the last two...

That's a good idea.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Two tons in the first game is impressive. NZ often start competitions well.

[andy]

Very good signs for NZ as well that they got a big score with no contribution from williamson

[andy]

Saud Shakeel opening the batting in place of fakhar

[backfootpunch]

Saud Shakeel opening the batting in place of fakhar

Think I'd have pushed rizwan up the order

Shakeel needed for when the spinners are on. He's in danger of wasting the powerplay and putting pressure on babar.

As I type his struggles are ended

Looked very uncomfortable opening

[andy]

This is truly pathetic from Pakistan....40-2 in the 14th over...required rate already nearly 8 an over...no point fakhar being out there he can't move!

[sussexpob]

This is truly pathetic from Pakistan....40-2 in the 14th over...required rate already nearly 8 an over...no point fakhar being out there he can't move!

I guess T20 changes a lot of views, but in 50 over cricket there is nothing wrong with batting yourself into the game then accelerating.

[andy]

Really? Scoring at 3 an over for first 15 overs when field is up for first 10 of them chasing 320 is okay? Yes play yourself in but they have played 102 dot balls in 24 overs...it's dreadful...Babar is 39 from 65 balls...required rate is 9.5

[andy]

Looking forward to getting raivndra in I wonder if NZ could leave out Conway? Been out of form for ages still a left handed at the top and another spin option? Ravindra has to be in the side one way or another

[andy]

Salman agha is at least putting the foot down he's 36 from 22 balls much needed impetus for Pakistan

[andy]

I wonder who opens for Pakistan going forward now....losing ayib and fakhar...do they have anymore openers in their squad?

Babar goes to 50 from 81 balls

[andy]

6 down Pakistan...Babar fell for 64 his painfully slow inings put so much pressure on the other batters ..159 needed from 87 balls with 4 wickets in hand....

This defeat could easily put Pak out the comp already ..their run rate is gonna take a battering here

[mikesiva]

Pakistan 260 all out

Khushdil 69
Babar 64
Agha 42

O'Rourke 3-47
Santner 3-66
Henry 2-25

[bigfluffylemon]

Promising for the Kiwis.

On current form England will be lucky to get one win.

[alfie]

Promising for the Kiwis.

On current form England will be lucky to get one win.

True , England in no sort of form. But Australia are not looking too good after getting hammered in Sri Lanka and missing all their main pace bowlers ; SA have lost their last five ODIs , four of them to Pakistan ; and Afghanistan are hardly world beaters. Might be a case of which of these teams is least bad on the day ? Do think the other group looks much stronger.