The National Bank Stadium in Karachi saw a huge number of fans cheering on and enjoying a rare time out at the cricket even as New Zealand outplayed the hosts in the opening game of the Champions Trophy on Wednesday.
A confident New Zealand side will be eager to seal a semi-final spot when they take on Bangladesh, who will be fighting for survival, in their Champions Trophy Group A match in Rawalpindi on Monday.
Pakistan now face a must-win encounter against India to keep their semi-final hopes alive in the ICC Champions Trophy.
The left-handed batter suffered a muscular strain while fielding in the opening over against New Zealand at Karachi's National Bank Stadium on February 19.
Josh Inglis slammed a brilliant century as Australia completed the highest chase in an ICC men's tournament against England in Lahore on Saturday.
The Kasaragod Municipal Stadium Road will now be known as Sunil Gavaskar Municipal Stadium Road.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the ongoing Champions Trophy in Pakistan and Dubai could be the last ICC tournament for Rohit Sharma, who is 37 years old and has struggled for runs in recent times. Manjrekar feels that it's "very unlikely" that Rohit will be around for the 2027 World Cup, and that this tournament could be his swansong.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes Virat Kohli needs to relax and not overthink his form ahead of India's crucial Champions Trophy clash against Pakistan.
The turnout of only about 10,000 spectators for the India-Bangladesh opening match of the Champions Trophy at the 30,000-capacity Dubai International Stadium has sparked debate over whether fans are only interested in an India-Pakistan clash.
The sturdiness of the headgear saved Nizar's life after Gujarat's Arzan Nagwaswalla's full-blooded shot hit flush on the state emblem on his helmet in the Ranji Trophy semi-final in Ahmedabad on Friday.
The Pakistan cricket team arrived in Dubai on Thursday for their crucial Champions Trophy clash against India, hoping to bounce back after their opening loss to New Zealand.
The Pakistan cricket team was fined five percent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate during their Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand in Karachi.
Since first opening the batting together in January 2023, the duo has been prolific in 50 overs cricket.
Pakistan all-rounder Khushdil Shah has expressed surprise at his selection for the Champions Trophy, saying he doesn't know how he got into the team.
With his century in Rawalpindi on Monday, Rachin Ravindra became the first player to score a century on debut in both the ICC World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy.
The Pakistan cricket team left for Dubai for the marquee Champions Trophy clash against arch-rivals India without opener Fakhar Zaman, who suffered an injury during the opening match against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. The left-handed batter has been replaced by Imam-ul-Haq in Pakistan's squad.
IMAGES from the ICC Champions Trophy match played between Bangladesh and New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Monday.
'The India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it's about playing in the moment, adapting to the situation, and not letting expectations overwhelm you.'
Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, the former England captains and respected pundits, will also be providing their expert analysis alongside former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop.
Babar Azam's approach drew heavy criticism from fans
Kohli, who has played three editions of the 50-over event in 2009, 2013 (when India won) and 2017, likened the tournament to the fast-paced T20 World Cup.
But the 28 year old wasn't done. After his stupendous effort with the bat, he had more entertainment to offer in the field.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised centurions Will Young and Tom Latham for their crucial contributions in the team's emphatic 60-run victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy opener.
Young blocked the first ball of the Abrar Ahmed over for a dot before sweeping the ball to square leg to bring up his century.
'If we execute our plans properly, we can beat any team on any given day.'
A staggering 12,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed in Lahore and Rawalpindi during the matches.
While India are on a high after a measured six-wicket win over a sprightly Bangladesh, Pakistan are evidently tense after the 60-run loss in the tournament-opener to New Zealand.
The eight-team Champions Trophy features India, Pakistan, Australia, England, New Zealand, Afghanistan, South Africa and Bangladesh.
The flags of the seven other participating teams, including hosts Pakistan, were displayed on the top of the National stadium with only the Indian flag nowhere to be seen.
'Unfortunately, we tend to crack under pressure and lose close matches as we have seen in recent games.'
Former President Asif Ali Zardari will be the chief guest at the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.
The roving buggy cam will deliver immersive ground-level visuals
Bari said he is delighted to see the ICC Champions Trophy being held in Pakistan now and multiple teams landing in the country.
Pakistan were all out for 260 in 47.2 overs with Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69) scoring half-centuries but the hosts never looked in the hunt.
'The team expected me to bowl fast and used me as an attacking option. I tried to repay the faith by sticking to my strengths and staying humble.'
India's new jersey for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, unveiled on Monday, has sparked discussion due to the inclusion of 'Pakistan' as the host nation.
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has criticized Babar Azam for focusing on personal milestones over team success, expressing concerns about Pakistan's preparations ahead of their crucial Champions Trophy clash against India. He believes Pakistan's recent struggles, including a disappointing Tri-Nation Series campaign and a 1-1 draw against the West Indies in a home Test series, point to a lack of readiness for the India encounter.
India vice-captain Shubman Gill dethroned Pakistan's Babar Azam from the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI Rankings for batters on the back of his strong showing against England in the recent home series.
As the Champions Trophy kicks off, some memorable moments from past tournaments.
Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A have successfully crossed the most dangerous passage in their historic 8-month sailing expedition around the globe.
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