NEW DELHI: Hosts and defending champions of the 2025 Champions TrophyPakistan, had a dismal begin to their marketing campaign, struggling a 60-run defeat in opposition to New Zealand. Their woes continued with a six-wicket loss to India in Dubai, successfully ending their hopes of reaching the semifinals.
Any likelihood of ending the match on a excessive was additionally dashed when rain compelled the abandonment of their ultimate match in opposition to Bangladesh on the Rawalpindi Cricket Floor.
Considered one of Pakistan’s key missteps within the match was not utilising star opener Fakhar zaman on the prime of the order.
Zaman himself admitted that had he opened of their first match in opposition to New Zealand whereas chasing a frightening 320-run goal, the end result might have been totally different.
Throughout that very sport in Karachi, Zaman sustained an damage and was later dominated out of the match on account of a recurring knee challenge.
Imam-ul-Haq was named as his substitute.
Zaman batted at No. 4, managing simply 24 off 41 balls whereas visibly struggling, as Pakistan slumped to a 60-run loss.
“Had I opened then issues might have been totally different as a result of once you get a giant goal, then the opener has a giant position to play,” Zaman mentioned in a video posted by Pakistan Cricket Board.
Zaman mentioned he had seen a marked enchancment in his damage over the week.
“Within the final week, I’ve seen a marked enchancment in my therapeutic. The physician has mentioned that I can begin coaching after three weeks, so I ought to be again in a single month.”
Zaman mentioned regardless of white-ball cricket being his favorite, he nonetheless needs to play the red-ball format.
“I nonetheless wish to play Exams however the coaches and captain have their very own plans and I additionally really feel that there are higher Take a look at gamers in Pakistan,” he mentioned, including, “I wish to open on my comeback however it’s as much as them the place they wish to maintain me.”