With only one day till the Champions Trophy, Pakistan's squad is lacking in innovation and still faces several challenges. The opening combination, which didn't work in the tri-series matches, is one example. The decision by Pakistani management to experiment with Babar Azam at the opening position did not work out as the new opening batsman received starts but was unable to turn them into significant runs. There are rumours that the PCB is considering moving Babar back to his preferred number three position and are looking for a new opening partner for Fakhar in light of the next match against New Zealand.

As per a report by Sohail Imran of Geo TV Network, Usman Khan, the forgotten batter is likely to be unleashed by the team against the Kiwis at the top. He is an aggressive batter and Pakistan want him to compliment Fakhar Zaman.