Pakistan's approach in their opening encounter against New Zealand drew severe criticism after the hosts faltered in their 321-run chase in Karachi on Wednesday.

Batting first, the Kiwis put up a competitive 320/5 powered by hundreds by opener Will Young and Tom Latham.

However, when Pakistan came out to bat, they hardly seemed bothered about the asking rate and batted timidly at the onset. The men in green played as many as 60 dot balls in the first 13.2 overs, which was nothing short of a calamity. After 25 overs, the dot ball count in Pakistan's innings was 104.

This led to a lot of angry reactions from fans on social media. Even commentators were left baffled by the strategy. "Too many balls were hitting fielders. But when you have a big run-chase, you have got to be hitting gaps, and that intent to see the gap was absent. It was obvious that Pakistan was looking to just survive in the early stages," observed former Australian legend Matthew Hayden.

Here are some of the reactions from disgruntled Pakistan fans who were left scratching their heads.

"Absolute disgrace from PCB and its selection committee! This so-called 'best XI is already crumbling in the very first game. Clueless selection, zero intent, and the same old failures. Pakistan cricket deserves better than this incompetence!"

"Pathetic batting display by Rizwan and Babar."

"Only guy in pak team who seems like he goes for the target when it's 300+."

"One-legged Fakhar Zaman is still a better hitter of the cricket ball than most other Pakistani batters."

"This absolutely baffling by Pakistan."

"Still can't understand,what's the reason behind such an approach?I mean, you're chasing a target of 1321 and still scored 22 runs in the entire powerplay?"

In the end, New Zealand beat defending champions Pakistan by 60 runs in opening match of Champions Trophy.

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