In a dazzling display of cricketing prowess, New Zealand triumphed over Pakistan in the opening spectacle of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, held at the majestic National Bank Stadium in Karachi on a vibrant Wednesday.
The formidable Blackcaps set an imposing target of 321 runs that proved insurmountable for Pakistan, despite some valiant efforts.
Pakistan’s pursuit stumbled from the outset, with Saud Shakeel bowing out for a meek 6 runs off 19 balls, soon followed by Muhammad Rizwan for just 3 runs, courtesy of a spectacular catch by the agile Glenn Phillips. Babar Azam, displaying his classic resilience with a composed 64 off 90 balls, combined forces with Fakhar Zaman, contributing 24 off 41 deliveries, to forge a 47-run partnership that brought brief stability. However, the dismissal of Fakhar in the subsequent over shifted the game’s momentum.
Late in the innings, Salman Agha showcased flair with 42 off 28 balls, while Khushdil Shah mounted resistance with an impressive 69 off only 49 balls. Nonetheless, the chase was decisively curtailed by New Zealand’s disciplined bowlers, with Mitchell Santner and the shrewd Will O’Rourke snatching crucial wickets.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand set the stage with a robust total of 320/5 across their 50 overs, anchored by an exhilarating century from Will Young, who dazzled with 107 runs off 113 balls. Tom Latham was unwavering with an undefeated 118 off merely 104 balls, while Glenn Phillips injected vigor with his dynamic 61 off 39 balls. Despite early setbacks with the dismissals of Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1), and Daryl Mitchell (10), New Zealand’s innings resurged through Young and Latham’s remarkable 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Pakistan’s pace maestros Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf each succeeded in claiming two wickets, though they faced challenges in stemming the run flow, with Rauf particularly conceding 83 runs in his full quota of 10 overs.