Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first against New Zealand in their Champions Trophy opener. Mohammad Rizwan, the Pakistan captain, chose to bowl first to take advantage of the conditions.
- Rachin Ravindra is missing from the New Zealand squad.
- He suffered a head injury during a previous match.
- Will Young and Devon Conway are opening for New Zealand.
Why Is Rachin Ravindra Missing?
New Zealand’s key batter, Rachin Ravindra, is not playing against Pakistan in Karachi. He suffered a forehead injury in a recent ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan. During a night match, he misjudged a catch and was struck on the head.
The injury forced him to withdraw from the Tri-Series, and he has not yet fully recovered. Even in the Champions Trophy photoshoot, he was seen with a bandaged forehead. This suggests that the team decided to rest him.
Who Is Replacing Rachin Ravindra?
With Rachin Ravindra out, New Zealand adjusted their batting lineup. Will Young and Devon Conway have been assigned the opening positions.
Other key batters include:
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Tom Latham
New Zealand’s Playing XI Against Pakistan
New Zealand’s final squad for the match includes:
Batters:
- Devon Conway
- Will Young
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Glenn Phillips
All-rounders & Bowlers:
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Nathan Smith
- Matt Henry
- William O’Rourke
Can Rachin Ravindra Return for the Next Match?
New Zealand has not confirmed his availability for the next game. His recovery will be monitored closely. If he gains full fitness, he could feature in the upcoming match against South Africa.
Rachin Ravindra’s absence is a setback for New Zealand. However, the team has strong replacements. Pakistan’s bowling attack will look to exploit this change in New Zealand’s lineup. The upcoming matches will determine whether Ravindra can return to the playing XI.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
