Faheem Ashraf for Pakistan (Source: AP Photos)
As the toss of the much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 opener is done and dusted, viewers all across the world is ready to see New Zealand bat after Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and asked the Kiwis to bat first on Wednesday. The biggest highlight from the toss was Haris Rauf's return to the playing XI, which, of course, was a huge boost for the Men in Green.
At the same time, the return of Rauf forced Faheem Ashraf out of the playing XI. Faheem, the 31-year-old all-rounder, made the cut when Pakistan met New Zealand in the recently-concluded tri-series final, but failed to keep his place.
Why Faheem Ashraf Is Not Playing Today?
Coming to bat at No. 8, Ashraf made 22 off 21 balls in the final, which included two fours and no sixes. While the ball in hand, he rolled his arms only 2.2 overs, conceeding 16 runs for no wicket. Safe to say, it was not significant impact to keep his place in the lineup, and of course, to delay Rauf's comeback.
Faheem, a veteran of 17 Tests, 35 ODIs, and 48 T20Is, was among the 15-member squad, which is set to defend the title which was last won in 2017 under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed. However, things didn't work well from there on, and hence, he had to warm the bench in the all-important opener.
Pakistan's Playing XI Vs New Zealand In Champions Trophy 2025 Opener
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(c/wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
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