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.

Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam’s form has been a talking point in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, after a disappointing Tri-Series campaign against New Zealand and South Africa on home soil.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in the tri-nation series final on Friday in a dress rehearsal for both teams ahead of next week’s opening game of the Champions Trophy. Pakistan eliminated South Africa from the final with its epic run-chase of 355-4 at the same venue on Wednesday with captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha scoring centuries.

New Zealand has rounded off perfect preparation for the Champions Trophy by thumping Pakistan by five wickets in the tri-nation series final in Karachi. Five days before the teams meet again in the Champions Trophy opening game,