The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off with a thrilling encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. Chasing a challenging target of 321 runs set by New Zealand, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, losing six wickets in a disappointing start to their campaign.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles in the Chase
Pakistan’s innings began on a shaky note, with Saud Shakeel being the first to depart after scoring just 6 runs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan followed soon after, managing only 3 runs before returning to the pavilion. The early dismissals put Pakistan in a difficult position at a total score of 22 runs.
Fakhar Zaman, who was expected to anchor the innings, contributed 24 runs before falling to New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. The middle order faced further setbacks as Salman Agha fought back briefly but was dismissed after scoring a quick 42 runs off 28 balls. Tayyab Tahir, who came in next, failed to make an impact and was out for just 1 run.
The biggest blow came when star batsman Babar Azam, who was holding the innings together, was dismissed after scoring 64 runs off 90 balls. His dismissal left Pakistan struggling at a total score of 153, making the target of 321 seem even more daunting.
New Zealand Posts a Strong Total
Earlier in the day, New Zealand batted first after Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to bowl. The Kiwis made full use of the batting-friendly conditions, scoring a formidable 320 runs for the loss of just 5 wickets in their 50 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers started well, with Abrar Ahmed drawing first blood by dismissing Devon Conway for 10 runs. Naseem Shah then provided another breakthrough, sending New Zealand captain Kane Williamson back to the pavilion for just 1 run.
Haris Rauf chipped in with a crucial wicket, dismissing Daryl Mitchell for 10 runs. However, the momentum shifted in New Zealand’s favor when Will Young played a stunning innings, scoring a well-crafted 107 runs before being dismissed by Naseem Shah.
Glenn Phillips added to the scoreboard with a quickfire 61 off 39 balls before Haris Rauf claimed his wicket. The standout performance of the innings came from Tom Latham, who remained unbeaten on 118 runs, smashing three sixes and 10 fours to guide New Zealand to an impressive total of 320 runs.
Fakhar Zaman Suffers Injury
Adding to Pakistan’s woes, star opener Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury during the match. This is a significant setback for the team as they look to recover from their poor start in the tournament.
Pakistan and New Zealand Captains React
Speaking after the toss, Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan explained his decision to bowl first, citing the expected dew factor in the second innings. He also mentioned a key change in the squad, with fast bowler Haris Rauf replacing Faheem Ashraf.
Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner was confident about his team’s chances, stating that the Karachi Stadium pitch looked good for batting. He acknowledged the potential dew factor but expressed faith in his team’s ability to handle the conditions. Fast bowler Matt Henry returned to the New Zealand squad for this crucial encounter.
A Historic ICC Event Returns to Pakistan
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks a historic moment for Pakistan, as it is the first ICC event being hosted in the country in 29 years. The tournament’s opening ceremony featured a breathtaking flypast by the Pakistan Air Force, captivating the spectators.
The PAF’s Sherdil team paid tribute to the nation by painting the sky with the colors of the green crescent flag. The stunning aerial display included the Shaheen Break maneuver, showcasing the exceptional skills of the pilots. The JF-17 Thunder, F-16, and Sherdil Shaheens added to the spectacle, boosting the morale of cricket fans across Pakistan.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
With a tough loss in their opening match, Pakistan will need to regroup quickly and address their batting vulnerabilities. The middle order’s inconsistency and early collapses have been recurring issues that need urgent attention if they want to stay in contention for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will be thrilled with their performance and will aim to carry this momentum into the next matches.
As the tournament progresses, cricket fans will be eagerly watching how Pakistan responds to this setback. Can they bounce back stronger in their next game? Only time will tell.
