![Rachin won't play vs Pakistan [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739955545346_no_Rachin_WHY.jpg?type=mq)
Rachin won't play vs Pakistan [Source: AP]
In a significant development, Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bowl first in their first Champions Trophy encounter against New Zealand. At toss, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan revealed that they would bowl first in order to capitalise on the playing conditions.
Why NZ Have Excluded Rachin Ravindra?
Meanwhile, New Zealand will be without their premier opening batter Rachin Ravindra in the all-important Champions Trophy match against Pakistan in Karachi. It's worth mentioning that Rachin Ravindra received a nasty blow on his forehead during the first match of the recently concluded ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan.
The swashbuckling southpaw couldn't spot the ball under the lights, as he was hit right on his head while going for a catch. As a result, he was eventually ruled out of the Tri-Series, and as it seems, he hasn't recovered fully from the injury.
Ravindra was even spotted with a strapped forehead in the Champions Trophy photoshoot event. Therefore, as he has yet to get fit, New Zealand might've rested him, asking Will Young and Devon Conway to open the batting.
Talking about New Zealand's playing combination, former captain Williamson is expected to play a crucial role alongside Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips and Conway on the batting front. Meanwhile, skipper Mitch Santner could be a game-changer with the ball along with Matt Henry and William O'Rourke.
New Zealand's Playing XI vs Pakistan
Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke
 "Debashis Sarangi")
