KARACHI: New Zealand won a huge 60 runs against Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium. Pakistan was under pressure, chasing a tough target of 321 and bowled for 260 in 47.2 overs.
The chase of Pakistan came to a began in a shape when Fakir Zaman was open as Saud Shakeel, only 6 runs off 19 balls before falling in the fourth over. Captain Mohammad Rizwan soon after that Glenn Philips dismissed for just 1 run thanks to an amazing catch.
Pakistan is struggling on 21/2, Babar Azam and Fakhr Zaman sought to rebuild together in a 47 -run partnership. However, Fakhr, who was given a lifeline when Devon Kanway left him 24, failed to invest and fell to Michael Breswell in the next over, still 24.
Babar Azam, who saw in control, got the support of Salman Ali Agha, and both added 58 for the fourth wicket. Aga opened 42 off 28 balls, but his innings was shortened by Nathan Smith, who was caught by Bresville.
Taib Tahir’s dismissal for only 1 run added to Pakistan’s worries, and this clear blow came to light when Babar Azam scored a well -made 64 goals for 90 balls, Mitchell Sentner’s deep. Left in trouble.
The Lower Order Partnership of Khushdel Shah (49 balls to 69 off 49 balls) and Herms Rauf (19 out of 10 balls) helped Pakistan reach 260, but Matt Henry cleaned the tail, and comfortable for New Zealand And sealed the calm win.
Earlier, after choosing the first batting, New Zealand posted 320/5 in 50 overs, thanks to the excellent performance of *Will Ying (107) and Tom Latham (118) **.
Pakistan’s bowlers started well, when Abrar Ahmed scored 10 runs off Devon Coneway, and the immediate attacks by Naseem Shah and Harsh Rauf reduced the Kiwis to 77/3 in the 17th over.
However, Latham and Young took a brilliant retaliation by setting up a 118 -run partnership for the fourth wicket. Young anchored the innings, which scored a composed 107 with 113 balls, while Latham knocked on a captain, unbeaten on 118 off 104 balls.
In the final overs, Glenn Philips added the crucial runs, which broke 39 delivery by 61, and took New Zealand to a total.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Harsh Rauf took two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed took one.
The 2025 Champions Trophy identifies the first ICC event in Pakistan after the Cricket World Cup of 1996. The edition includes eight teams that compete in four places: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Dubai.
Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh as well as in Group A, will now face India in Rawalpindi on February 23 in Dubai and Bangladesh on February 23 in Rawalpindi.
The semi -finals were scheduled for March 4 (Dubai) and March 5 (Lahore) on March 9. If India qualifies, the final will be in Dubai. Otherwise, it will be at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
More than 12,000 police personnel have been deployed in Lahore and Rawalpindi with strict security measures. In Lahore alone, 8,000 officers are on duty, while 5,000 personnel are securing Rawalpindi.
Karachi’s traffic plan ensures that major roads are open, but there are restrictions for heavy vehicles around the stadium. Special parking areas have been nominated at the National Coaching Center, Expo Center, and China Ground.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain and Wicketkeeper)
- Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Fakhr Zaman, Salman Ali Agha, Taib Tahir, Khushadhal Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Harsh Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Fahim Ashraf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hassan
With a loss in the tournament, Pakistan will need to bounce quickly in its next matches to stay in the semi -finals.
