The Champions Trophy 2025 got off to a rocky start for Pakistan, with their match against New Zealand on Wednesday bringing both highs and lows. Captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl first, but the team suffered a significant setback during the first innings. Opener Fakhar Zaman, a key player for Pakistan, sustained an injury while fielding, which could potentially impact his participation in upcoming matches.
New Zealand batted first, with Abrar Ahmed securing Pakistan’s first wicket by taking out Devon Conway for 10 runs. Ken Williamson also fell early, dismissed by Naseem Shah for just 1 run. The first over, bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi, saw Will Young play a shot towards mid-off, which Fakhar Zaman attempted to stop with a slide. Although he managed to prevent the boundary, the effort came at a cost, as he injured himself in the process.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has since released an official statement regarding Fakhar Zaman’s injury, stating that he has strained his calf muscles. Further investigation is underway, and more information will be shared in due time. While Zaman may still be able to bat against New Zealand, his participation in the highly anticipated match against India on February 23 remains uncertain. This is particularly concerning for Pakistan, given Zaman’s current form and the significance of the upcoming match.
Pakistan’s match against India is just around the corner, and the uncertainty surrounding Zaman’s availability is sure to add to the pressure on Captain Rizwan. With 3627 runs in 85 ODI matches, including 11 centuries and 17 half-centuries, Zaman’s potential absence would be a significant blow to the team. India, on the other hand, will face Bangladesh in their second match of the Champions Trophy on Thursday, before taking on Pakistan the following day. The stage is set for an exciting competition, but for now, all eyes are on Fakhar Zaman’s recovery and his potential impact on Pakistan’s chances in the tournament.
