New Zealand upset Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 opener
New Zealand faced Pakistan in Karachi as the long wait for the ICC Champions Trophy finally ended. After seven years, the competition officially kicked off in Pakistan. The defending champions, Pakistan, felt immense pressure to perform in front of their home crowd, especially while hosting an ICC event after 29 years.
Pakistan were looking to avenge their loss in the tri-series final against the same opponent. However, things didn’t go in their favor. Having won the toss and electing to bowl, Rizwan’s team failed to achieve the target set by the Kiwis. Here is how the match went.
New Zealand: Opening struggles but Will Young to the rescue
Following Rachin Ravindra’s injury, New Zealand opened with Devon Conway and Will Young. The right-left combo troubled the Pakistani bowlers in the initial stages. Young was timing the ball better. These two made 39 runs for the opening wicket before Abrar Ahmed sent Conway to the dugout. Kane Williamson entered the field but added one run before getting caught behind on Naseem Shah’s delivery. Daryll Mitchell entered at number four. He also had a disappointing time in the middle. Haris Rauf dismissed Mitchell on just 10 runs. The Kiwis were 73 for three in 16.2 overs. Will Young was showing some positive signs and carried his team when the ball was moving a bit.
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Two centurions build a huge total
Tom Latham joined Young in the middle. Once again, the left-right combo troubled the opposition. These two created 118 runs, which stands for the fourth wicket. Will Young scored 107 before giving his wicket to Naseem Shah.
Glenn Phillips entered the field with only one thing in mind: This duo stood in the middle for 74 balls. They scored 125 runs for the fifth wicket. Phillips smashed 61 runs in just 39 balls. Latham completed his seventh ODI ton and remained unbeaten on 118. The Kiwis posted 320 runs for the loss of five wickets.
Slow start and lack of intent for the hosts
Pakistan needed more than six runs per over to win the match. Fakhar Zaman injured himself in the field and was not allowed to open. Saud Shakeel took the crease along with Babar Azam. The left-hander struggled for his six runs before getting out on O’Rourke’s delivery. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan also struggled. He scored just three runs and was dismissed by a spectacular catch by Phillips. Pakistan just posted 22 runs in the first 10 overs.
New Zealand seals 60-run win
Babar Azam piled up a bit of pressure on himself. Salman Agha came and scored 42 in just 28 balls. Babar scored 64 runs in 90 balls. He lost his wicket in the 34th over. Pakistan were 153 for six.
Khushdil Shah showed his batting skills. He stood with the bowlers and scored 69 runs in 49 deliveries. Bowlers also added a few runs to the total. Pakistan fell short by 60 runs and were all out in the 48th over.
Pakistan are now in a spot of bother. They will face India in Dubai and a loss will end their campaign.
