The ICC Champions Trophy has gotten off to a dismal start for Pakistan’s cricket team in 2025. In the tournament’s first match, held in Karachi, both the batting and bowling of the Pakistan team were exposed. New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs, making a significant impact in the Champions Trophy. This loss marks Pakistan’s third consecutive defeat against New Zealand on their home turf. Earlier, in the ODI series played in Pakistan, New Zealand had defeated Rizwan & Company in two consecutive matches, and now they’ve embarrassed Pakistan in the first match of the Champions Trophy. It’s surprising to note that this is the fourth time New Zealand and Pakistan have faced each other in the Champions Trophy, and the Kiwi team has emerged victorious every time.
Pakistan Bowlers Disappoint
After winning the toss at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan invited New Zealand to bat first. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s bowlers performed poorly against the Kiwi batsmen. As a result, New Zealand openers Will Young and Tom Latham hit brilliant centuries, while Glen Philips scored a fierce half-century. The New Zealand team managed to score 320 runs, losing 5 wickets in the prescribed 50 overs. Pakistan’s fast bowlers were severely beaten, with Haris Rauf taking just 2 wickets for 83 runs in 10 overs and Nasim Shah taking 2 wickets for 63 runs. Abrar Ahmed managed to get only 1 wicket.
Babar Azam Scores Half-Century
Pakistan’s response to New Zealand’s 320 runs was dismal. Opener Saud Shakeel returned to the pavilion in the fourth over, and captain Mohammad Rizwan caught Glenn Philips on the last ball of the 10th over. Pakistan could score only 22 runs in the first 10 overs, and the wickets continued to fall. Babar Azam scored a half-century while holding one end but returned to the pavilion after scoring 64 runs on a score of 153 runs. Babur was dismissed by Mitchell Santner.
Kiwi Bowlers Do Wonders
Pakistan’s 7 wickets had fallen within just 200 runs. Khushdil Shah, batting in T20 style, completed his half-century from 38 balls but couldn’t get strong support at the other end and finally returned to the pavilion after scoring 69 runs off 49 balls. Shortly thereafter, the entire Pakistan team was reduced to 260 runs, and New Zealand won the match by 60 runs. William Oruck and Mitchell Santner took the most 3-3 wickets, while Matt Henry took 2 wickets in his name. The match was thrown by 29 over finger spinners for New Zealand, marking the third time in ODI cricket that more than 28 over finger spinners have been used by the team.
