Karachi, Feb. 18 -- Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan issued a fitness update on tearaway Haris Rauf and confirmed the 31-year-old was at his "full rhythm" on the eve of the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand.

After over seven years, the Champions Trophy will return to the calendar year with a high-profile clash between Pakistan, the defending champions and New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday.

There were concerns about Rauf's involvement in the opening clash after he sustained an injury during the first match of the ODI tri-nation series against the Blackcaps last week.

Rauf bowled 6.2 overs before sustaining a "muscle strain" and going off the field in the first innings. He didn't return for the rest of the match, and notably,...