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Khushdil Shah top-scored for Pakistan within the first Champions Trophy 2025 match performed in opposition to New Zealand at Nationwide Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

Khushdil Shah scored 69 runs from 49 balls for Pakistan on Wednesday in opposition to New Zealand. (Image Credit score: AP)
Khushdil Shah top-scored for the Pakistani crew within the Champions Trophy 2025 match performed in opposition to New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday, February 19. He got here out to bat at No. 7 and, with the assistance of 10 fours and one six, scored 69 runs from 49 deliveries. After Pakistan went down by 60 runs within the first match of the match performed at Nationwide Stadium in Karachi, Khushdil stated that he was stunned by his choice in Pakistan’s squad for the continuing eight-team match.
In keeping with the 30-year-old batter, he himself doesn’t know “how I received into the crew.”
Ever since Khushdil made his ODI debut in November 2020 in opposition to Zimbabwe, the 30-year-old has performed solely 14 50-over video games, whereas he has not performed a T20I since October 2023.
He disillusioned with the bat and ball throughout the not too long ago concluded tri-series in Pakistan, additionally involving New Zealand and South Africa, however was within the enjoying XI for the Champions Trophy opener.
“I personally didn’t understand how I received into the crew as a result of I’ve been out of favour with the selectors for 2 years now,” Khushdil stated on Wednesday evening.
The left-arm spinner additionally stated he doesn’t get agitated when the group calls him “” Parchi”—somebody who’s being favoured.
The PCB selectors have confronted quite a lot of criticism for selecting Khushdil forward of Faheem Ashraf.
“I don’t take it (criticism) to coronary heart as a result of you possibly can’t cease individuals from saying what they are saying. The one reply I may give is to do my greatest and play a job in serving to our crew win,” he stated.
Khushdil stated he didn’t lose hope regardless of New Zealand setting a 321-run goal within the CT opener. Khushdil stated that he and Naseem Shah have been hopeful that if they might take the match into the ultimate over, something might occur.
After dropping the primary match in opposition to New Zealand in entrance of dwelling followers, Pakistan will journey to Dubai to tackle India within the second Group A match. The high-voltage match between India and Pakistan is scheduled to happen at Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23.
- Location :
Karachi, Pakistan