Haris Rauf Returns for Champions Trophy Opener, Rachin Ravindra Misses Out
Pakistan’s pace sensation Haris Rauf has recovered from injury and is set to play in his team’s opening match of the new Champions Trophy campaign.
From the moment both teams stepped onto the practice field, all eyes were on Rachin Ravindra and Haris Rauf. The two cricketers, battling injury concerns, were the focal points ahead of the tournament’s first match. However, their fates have taken different turns—while Rauf has made Pakistan’s playing XI, Ravindra remains sidelined for New Zealand.
The Champions Trophy kicks off in Karachi with a Group ‘A’ clash. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to field first on Wednesday.
The tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after nearly eight years, with matches being held in Pakistan and the UAE featuring eight teams.
New Zealand has had an impressive build-up to the tournament, winning a tri-nation series on Pakistani soil. They defeated the hosts both in the group stage and the final to lift the trophy.
Heading into this match, New Zealand has made one change from their tri-series final lineup—Matt Henry replaces Jacob Duffy. Rachin Ravindra, who suffered a head injury, has not recovered in time to feature.
Pakistan has also made a single change, with Haris Rauf coming in for all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.
New Zealand Playing XI:
Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.
Pakistan Playing XI:
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (C), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
