Advertisement Continue reading the main storyYet Pakistan began the Champions Trophy, a miniature World Cup for the top eight one-day international teams, by underperforming even the low expectations set for it. In the 124-run thrashing by India in its opening game, Pakistan could not even competently field the ball, the most basic skill in professional cricket. Other teams had been preparing for the Champions Trophy since the conclusion of the World Cup in 2015, and all but Pakistan took fully experienced rosters to London. Pakistan had three debutants to the format — international one-day competition. This was India’s fifth appearance in a final since then, including its win in the last Champions Trophy four years ago.

Source: New York Times June 18, 2017 20:03 UTC