Pakistan head coach Aqib Javed backed Babar Azam to continue opening in the Champions Trophy, expressing confidence in his ability despite recent struggles in the Tri-Series against New Zealand and South Africa.

Bitter rivals India and Pakistan rarely play each other on the cricket field, but when they do there is an unparalleled thirst for tickets.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in the tri-nation series final in a dress rehearsal for both teams ahead of next week’s opening game of the Champions Trophy.