File photo from Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Game.© AFP
Former cricketer-competter Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Pakistan’s next matches will highlight whether the defending champion’s “intention” is an issue or “inherent capacity”. Pakistan left fans with their intentions and a lack of Lagard approach, chasing a tough 321 -run target against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi. On a dry strip filled with cracks, the 321-Run’s target was visible if the Pakistan batsmen clung to a run-e-ball view. However, the unwanted approach of Pakistan batsmen gradually dropped them out of the race.
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan decided to take a defensive route when playing with aggression was required. Pakistan’s prominent batsman, Babar Azam, surprisingly adopted a cautious approach as Pakistan gradually creeps up to 69/3 in 20.5 overs.
When Pakistan’s situation became critical, Babur fell on a sharp piling run. The former captain opened his arms, away from Kane Williamson from Mitchell Center and returned with 64 runs out of 90 delivery.
Manjrekar watched Babur and Pakistan’s performance from a comprehensive perspective. They feel that the next two matches will decide whether the issue is intention or the underlying capacity of Pakistan.
“Babar Azam clearly showed bad intentions in the first game. But in the next few matches we will know whether the intention is an issue with Pakistan or the underlying capacity. If it is capable then it cannot be easily resolved, “.
Most of Pakistan’s batsmen resorted to an overflow approach, vice-captain Salman Ali Aga and all-rounder Khushdil Shah were more active on the pitch.
Salman entertained the crowd with his Swift 42 out of 28 delivery, while Khushdil brought all the guns to 69 (49). His brave efforts were not enough to take Pakistan to the past of the finishing line, the defending champion committed suicide for a 60 -run defeat.
Pakistan will now be the head of Dubai for the blockbuster clash against India on Sunday, a clash that has the power to define the defense of its title.
(Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is published by a syndicated feed.)
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