Karachi (Web Desk): New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening match of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.
Pakistan's chase of 321-run target set by ended in disappointment as they were dismissed for 260, falling short by 60 runs.
The chase got off to a disastrous start with Saud Shakeel, stepping in for Fakhar Zaman at the top, dismissed cheaply for just 6. Captain Mohammad Rizwan’s stay was brief, departing after a stunning catch from Glenn Phillips, leaving Pakistan in early trouble.
Babar Azam steadied the innings with a calm fifty, but his efforts were not enough as the wickets continued to fall around him. Fakhar Zaman, who was dropped on 24 by Devon Conway, failed to make the most of his reprieve and was out for 24. Salman Ali Agha, who provided some much-needed aggression, was dismissed for a quick 42, and Pakistan’s middle order crumbled under pressure.
Tayyab Tahir fell for just 1, and soon after, Babar was dismissed for 64, further hindering Pakistan’s progress.
Khushdil Shah played a fiery knock, scoring 69 off 49 balls, but his departure, caught at long-on, effectively ended Pakistan’s hopes. Haris Rauf added some late fireworks with a quick 19 off 10 balls, including three towering sixes, but was dismissed while attempting another big shot. Matt Henry wrapped up Pakistan's innings by cleaning up Naseem Shah, completing a dominant victory for New Zealand.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 320/5 after being put in to bat, with Will Young and Tom Latham's 118-run stand for the fourth wicket providing the foundation for their innings.
Despite early setbacks, where Pakistan's pacers, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, had reduced them to 77/3, Latham's resolute 118* and Young’s 107 took the game away from Pakistan. Glenn Phillips added quick runs towards the end, helping the Blackcaps reach a total that proved too much for the chase.
Pakistan’s bowlers showed glimpses of brilliance, but the key breakthroughs came too late in the innings.
The match, which was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, also featured a thrilling aerial display from the Pakistan Air Force’s Sherdils team.
Earlier, after being put to bat first, New Zealand posted a solid total of 320/5 in their 50 overs in the opening match of the ICC event, with a pivotal fourth-wicket partnership between Will Young and Tom Latham steering the team to a strong position.
The Blackcaps had a rocky start, losing Devon Conway (10) early when mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed bowled him out on the third delivery of the eighth over. Their situation worsened as Pakistan's pacers, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, struck in quick succession, removing Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10). By the end of seventeenth over, New Zealand found themselves reeling at 77/3.
However, Latham, fresh off a match-winning half-century in last week's tri-nation ODI series final, steadied the ship alongside the in-form Young. The pair built a resilient 118-run stand for the fourth wicket, taking New Zealand to a more comfortable 191/3.
Naseem broke the partnership in the 38th over, dismissing Young for a well-made 107 off 113 balls, which included 12 fours and one six.
Despite the breakthrough, Latham remained unshaken and completed his own century, finishing with an unbeaten 118 off 104 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes.
In the closing overs, Glenn Phillips added crucial runs, smashing a quickfire 61 off just 39 balls, with three fours and four sixes, to help New Zealand reach 320/5.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed chipped in with a solitary dismissal.
Early in the day, President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari attended the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the chief guests.
The event also showcased an aerial display by the Pakistan Air Force’s Sherdils team.
The tournament, which is drawing massive attention, marks a historic moment as Pakistan is hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years.
The eight-nation tournament is scheduled to be held across three Pakistani cities—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—along with a stint in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The tournament runs from February 19 to March 9, bringing top-tier international cricket to Pakistan after nearly three decades.
The last time Pakistan hosted an ICC event was in 1996 when it co-hosted the Cricket World Cup, which saw Sri Lanka defeating Australia in the final at Gaddafi Stadium.
Cricket fever is palpable across the nation, with fans eager to witness their team perform on home soil once again.
Teams
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William ORourke.