New Zealand, the consistent underdogs in an ICC competition, are keen to advance. With the tri-series victory under their belt, the New Zealanders enter the competition on a high note. Former ODI captain Tom Latham has described the Champions Trophy opener against the same opposition as their two victories over Pakistan last week as a "wonderful occasion."
As they continue to become better, New Zealand chased down 305 against Afghanistan in the warm-up match after winning the tri-series. The fact that every member of the squad had a practice and saw some action during the games, in Latham's opinion, was the biggest plus.
"Playing against the host country is going to be a tremendous experience, and I am sure the Champions Trophy first game is particularly unique," Latham remarked. "We have been lucky enough to have everyone in the squad have some time in the middle, whether it be with the bat or the ball, if you look at the tri-series and the warm-up game.
"It is good that we have been playing well. I believe that we were under pressure in each of the three games during the tri-series, but we clearly overcame that and won."
In the middle overs of the tri-series final against the hosts, bowlers Michael Bracewell and captain Mitchell Santner gave up just 58 runs in 20 overs. And Latham gave the spinners the credit they deserved for limiting the scoring pace and applying pressure to the opponents.
"Yes, Santner and Bracewell were excellent during the middle. I suppose you have to be able to control the run rate in one-day cricket if you are not taking wickets, and I thought those two guys did a tremendous job at it. Michael and Mitch were able to exert some pressure on that middle order and manage the run rate. We were able to grab some wickets towards the finish, which was great, I suppose.
In the lead-up to the tri-series, New Zealand landed in Pakistan on February 3 and stayed mostly in Karachi, where they also won the tri-series. Latham acknowledged that in order to avoid any surprises, it was essential to comprehend the conditions prior to any significant competition.
"I believe it is crucial to have experience with the conditions you are facing. We are fortunate, in my opinion, to have visited this place in recent years and played Pakistan frequently, most likely in the last three. For us, it always comes down to trying to avoid any surprises either the conditions or the teams you encounter. I suppose we have information on one another from both sides, Pakistan and us."
Even if everything is going well, Latham stated that they have not decided on their starting lineup yet and that Kyle Jamieson, Lockie Ferguson's replacement, will not be available for the first game.
"No, we do not yet have an XI. Naturally, we are still in training, and we will determine what the eleven will be. As you mentioned, Kyle Jamieson will be available for the remainder of the tournament but will regrettably not be able to play in tomorrow's game because he is traveling over."
He is scheduled to train tonight, so we will have a better idea of his progress after that. His recuperation is clearly proceeding smoothly, but we must be certain. It is clear that the damage is really unpleasant. Therefore, you want to make sure everything is in order, especially when you are working with the head. We will only wait and see until he completes the procedures that need to be followed."