Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan issued a fitness update on tearaway Haris Rauf and confirmed the 31-year-old was at his "full rhythm" on the eve of the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand. After over seven years,

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan on Tuesday confirmed that right-hander Babar Azam will continue opening the batting in the upcoming Champions Trophy. The eight-team tournament begins on Wednesday with the opening match between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi.

Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan said on Tuesday the Champions Trophy would be a "historic occasion" for the country, a day before the hosts kick the tournament off against New Zealand. The Champions Trophy is the first major cricket event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades and is regarded as second only to the World Cup in the one-day game.