Karachi (Web Desk): New Zealand set Pakistan a challenging target of 321 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.
After being put into bat first, the Kiwis faced early setbacks with Devon Conway being bowled out by a straight delivery from Abrar Ahmed for just 10 in the eighth over. Kane Williamson followed soon after, dismissed by Naseem Shah for a mere 1, leaving New Zealand in trouble at 40/2 in the ninth over.
Will Young and Daryl Mitchell then attempted to rebuild, combining for a 33-run stand for the third wicket. However, Mitchell’s stay was short-lived as he miscued a pull shot off Haris Rauf and was caught at mid-on.
Tom Latham, the experienced campaigner, joined Young at the crease, and together, they weathered the storm. The pair shared a crucial 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket, allowing New Zealand to regain control.
Young's fine knock of 107 from 113 balls came to an end in the 38th over, but the momentum remained with New Zealand. Glen Phillips, showing his aggressive intent, came in and blasted 61 off just 39 balls, putting the Pakistani bowlers under pressure. Latham remained steady at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 118 off 104 balls.
The Kiwis managed to reach 320/5 by the end of their 50 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to make a breakthrough, with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf picking up two wickets each but conceding 63 and 83 runs, respectively. Abrar Ahmed was the standout bowler, delivering a controlled spell of 47/1 in his 10 overs.
Meanwhile, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Salman Ali Agha went wicketless, with Afridi particularly expensive, conceding 68 runs from his 10 overs.
Champions Trophy 2025, which is drawing massive attention, marks a historic moment as Pakistan is hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years.
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.
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.
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.
