NZ’s Latham is confident in the squad for the Pakistan clash in CD Open

New Zealand’s wicketkeeper Tom Latham expressed confidence in his team’s production and adaptation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Pakistan in Karachi.

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi on Tuesday, Latham gave an update of the restoration of all -rounder Rajachin Ravindra.

“Rachin will be trained tonight, and we will get a little more sign on how he is going. His recovery is going well, but he has to make sure that all things are correct because of the head injury. He goes through the protocols. We will wait and see.”

Latham noted that New Zealand’s comprehensive experience in Pakistan in the last three years gives them an important benefit to local conditions.

“If you are in conditions at any time, you are a benefit. We have come here and we have come here and play a little in Pakistan.” Both sides have information on each other, and it will be a cracks game. ”

Latham admitted the importance of the starting competition, especially when the host faces the nation. “The opening game of the CD is very special and playing against the host will be a great opportunity. We look forward to it,” he added.

Following a strong performance in the triangular-saris, New Zealand goes to the match, which has a valuable experience. He explained that the group was tested under pressure during the series and how they responded.

“It is a pleasure to act. Throughout the tri-saris and hot game, everyone in the team had a while with the ball or bat, ”Latham said.

“We put pressure on all three games. We were able to deal with it. We were glad that we had the results, but we were able to handle that pressure, which would keep us in good condition,” he added.

Latham praised New Zealand’s spinners Mitchell Sandner and Michael Bracewell, their role in controlling the run rate and creating pressure in middle overs.

“Spinners were fantastic through the middle. One day in cricket, if you don’t take wickets, you have to control the run rate and the two did it well,” he said.

“Fast bowlers and spinners have some excellent successes in the tri-sree and we hope it will be in good condition for the coming things,” he said.

On the way to Pakistan, he also confirmed that the fastest bowler Kyle Jameson would not get the starting match, but he would join the remaining squad of the match.

The wicket-keeper-plate stressed that the success of the Karachi pitch would be the key to success. He noted the variation of the city’s surfaces and that the group’s conditions would be closely valued before the competition.

“The surface we played here against Pakistan was a little different for a Pakistan who played against South Africa. Let’s see how the wicket is today, but it is about changing as much as we can,” he said.

“We have played three games and a hot game here. So guys are aware of the situation. This is about playing our brand to our ability to suit our ability.”

Latham admitted the history of rivalry between New Zealand and Pakistan in the ICC events and bilateral series. “Whenever we come against Pakistan, there are great wars and excellent games. This will not be different tomorrow,” he said.

“Both teams have knowledge of each other, and how they are going to access the game. I hope it will be a packed crowd in Karachi. They will have plenty of support. We really expect the challenge. I hope this will be another great game,” he concluded.