Pakistan need to adopt out-of-the-box approach to beat New Zealand

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan are facing crucial challenge as they gear up to face New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 today (Wednesday ) at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Following the consecutive ODI losses in the Tri-Series, the home team must formulate a creative strategy to prevent a third defeat and, more critically, establish a solid foundation for their knockout-stage hopes.

The recent losses to New Zealand were far from ideal preparation. With the tournament set in motion, Pakistan cannot afford any slipups, especially considering their substantial investments in infrastructure.

A win on Wednesday (today) would place them as formidable contenders for the semi-finals, while a poor display could leave them on the brink. Pakistan must steer clear of falling into New Zealand’s traps, as they did twice last week. The Kiwis have thoroughly analyzed Pakistan’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing their fielding captain to effectively manage dismissals.

Fakhar Zaman, a key player in the ODI setup, has been consistently drawn into mistimed flicks and pulls, falling victim to strategically placed fielders. Babar Azam’s ongoing difficulty against in-cutters and left-arm spinners remains a significant concern. Saud Shakeel, typically a slow accumulator, faced pressure to play aggressively, which cost him his wicket cheaply on both occasions.

With the top order faltering, the onus has frequently fallen on Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha to rescue the innings. However, Pakistan cannot rely on last-minute heroics consistently. A more disciplined and strategic approach from the top order is vital to alleviate pressure on the middle order.

Pakistan’s bowling unit has yet to hit its stride. While the return of Haris Rauf is expected to strengthen the attack, Shaheen Shah Afridi has struggled with consistency.

Naseem Shah has shown flashes of brilliance, but against a competent Kiwi batting lineup, sustained pressure is crucial. Salman Ali Agha’s contributions as the fifth bowler will also be vital.

Pakistan’s decision to bat first in the Tri-Series final was aimed at gaining experience, but chasing would be the smarter choice, particularly on slower pitches where dew impacts play. The pitch at National Stadium, Karachi, is anticipated to provide opportunities for various types of bowlers, making execution of the right strategy essential.

New Zealand’s meticulous planning for each over gives them a competitive advantage. In contrast, Pakistan have faced challenges with on-field strategy. Their coaching staff must swiftly devise tactics to penetrate the Kiwi batting lineup and address the threats posed by Mitchell Santner’s spin and William O’Rourke’s pace.

A fundamental rule against high-quality bowlers is to keep the scoreboard ticking. Rotating the strike with singles and twos while occasionally hitting boundaries is more effective than reckless aggression. New Zealand thrive on taking regular wickets; when they struggle to claim wickets, they begin to feel the pressure. Pakistan must harness this by preserving wickets early and ensuring a steady flow of runs.

Wednesday’s match is not merely an opening encounter; it could shape Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign. Unlike Pakistan, New Zealand can afford a slip-up and still maneuver through the tournament. For the hosts, however, losing this match would set the stage for a challenging road ahead, with a daunting clash against India in Dubai approaching. The stakes could not be higher. The experimentation phase is over. If Pakistan aim to make an impact, they must execute their plans effectively starting now.