India, Feb. 20 -- Pakistan's much-anticipated return to hosting an ICC tournament was spoiled as they slumped to a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener. A historic occasion quickly soured as the home side failed to live up to expectations, as they were bowled out for 260 in the 321-run chase in Karachi.

Pakistan never looked in control. Babar Azam's painstaking 64 off 90 balls lacked the urgency required, while the top order crumbled under pressure. Khushdil Shah's counterattacking 69 off 49 balls injected some life into the innings, but it was far too little, too late. Salman Agha's 42 was the only other spark in an otherwise dismal batting effort.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticized the...