The home side, Pakistan’s campaign began with a meek defeat against New Zealand. Chasing a mammoth total of 320, Pakistan’s batsmen failed to coordinate well and fell prey to Mitchell Santner’s traps. New Zealand’s good form from the Triangular series carried into this match. Let us take a look at today’s hero’s and villains.
Hero of the Day: A difficult choice as there could have been easily three or four New Zealand players worthy of this title. But for this match the award goes to Tom Latham. The wicket keeper – batsman came in the middle overs, smashed a ton and helped New Zealand reach a good total.
Loser of the Day: Today’s loser has to be Babar Azam. Now, it would be silly of me to not explain my decision. You, as one of the leading batsmen of the team, playing at home, opening the innings, succumb to 64 off 90 deliveries. Bearing in mind, that the target is 300 plus. When Pakistan needed a solid run a ball innings from their former captain, it was nowhere to be seen. A very selfish innings and a surprising approach taken by Babar Azam today.
Fielder of the Day: Glen Phillips wins this award today and honestly, was there ever going to be any competition against him? Spiderman Phillips should be his nickname at this point. The agility and reflexes shown whilst dismissing Rizwan has become a Phillips trademark now. Phillips showed up with the bat as well with an aggressive innings of 61 off 39 balls.
Rib-tickling moment of the Day: Even the before the match began, the air show had a few of the players and the spectators startled. Maybe a faulty engine is to blame?
Injury watch: Pakistan’s primary aggressor Fakhar Zaman suffered a hamstring injury whilst fielding on the boundary. It was an act of resilience as he played a knock of 24 off 41 deliveries even though he was clearly suffering from the injury. His future in the tournament will be something to keep an eye out for.
