New Zealand Overpowers Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 Opener

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was off to an exciting start as a thrilling contest between New Zealand and Pakistan opened at the National Stadium in Karachi. Under pressure even at home, Pakistan collapsed to be defeated by 60 runs by well-disciplined and well-organized New Zealand. The match saw a match-winning performance by Tom Latham, Will Young, and Glenn Phillips as it led New Zealand to a daunting total of 320/5. Pakistan, following some strugglege on behalf of Khushdil Shah and Babar Azam, managed to score only a meager 260 runs as it got bowled out.

Having won the toss, Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan opted to bowl first in the hope of capitalizing on the early conditions. The move was proved correct at the beginning as Pakistan bowlers made an early breakthrough, reducing New Zealand to 73/3. Naseem Shah led the attack, claiming two crucial wickets and maintaining a tight line.

But the tide totally turned around with Will Young and Tom Latham coming into the picture. The two added 118 runs, which proved to be a match-winning partnership, with Young scoring a masterful 107 and Latham remaining unbeaten on 118. Their fight not only steadied the innings but also laid the ideal platform for a record-breaking finish.

Glenn Phillips put sheen on New Zealand's total with a glittering 61 from 39 balls. His stroke play aggressive ensured New Zealand went past 300 for the first time and finished at an extremely promising 320/5 after 50 overs. Pakistani bowlers could not stem the flow, and their best bowler was Naseem Shah with 2/63.

Pakistan's Rocky Chase and Early Setbacks

Pursuing 321, Pakistan were in trouble right from the beginning. New Zealand's opening pace duo of Matt Henry and William O'Rourke kept the home side on their toes. Pakistan were able to score only 22 runs from the first ten overs losing two wickets, their worst powerplay at home in an ODI.

Pakistan's pillar Babar Azam attempted to hold the innings together. But his workmanlike 64 off 90 deliveries put additional pressure on the middle order. Fakhar Zaman and Saud Shakeel were dismissed early, and Mohammad Rizwan could not do much before getting caught out for a meager 3 runs.

Khushdil Shah's Late Fightback

With the run rate required still increasing, chances of Pakistan's comeback faded. However, some push in the chase was provided by Khushdil Shah with a counter-attacking knock. He scored his half-century in 38 deliveries and then contributed 69 off 49 before getting caught off a well-timed long-on. His aggressive batting provided some hope to Pakistan, but the increasing required rate was too high to cope with.

Salman Agha also came in for a cameo, scoring 42 off 28 balls, but Pakistan's lower order could not keep the momentum going. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah attempted to contribute some big shots, but with the required rate increasing over 13 runs per over, the job became impossible.

New Zealand bowling line-up showed excellent discipline during the course of the innings. William O'Rourke and Mitchell Santner were the top bowlers, each taking three wickets. Their meticulous planned and precise bowling prevented Pakistan from gaining full charge of the run-chase.

As the wickets tumbled, Pakistani supporters also started leaving the stadium after the departure of Babar Azam. His going at 153/6 during the 34th over put a damper on the attempt at a fightback by the team. The innings of Pakistan finally came crumbling down at 260 in 47.2 overs, returning New Zealand with a comprehensive win by 60 runs.

New Zealand Kicks Off in Style, Pakistan Under Pressure

With this win, New Zealand has made a strong statement in the tournament. Their powerful batting and bowling display sets them up for the rest of the matches. Pakistan, however, has a difficult time ahead as they get ready to face their arch-nemesis, India, in their next match.

For Pakistan, the defeat highlights the importance of becoming more attacking in pursuit of big scores. Their top-order problems coupled with an inability to find rhythm in the middle overs were their undoing. New Zealand's sound game plan and clinical finish, on the other hand, provide them with a winning start to their Champions Trophy journey.

What's Next?

Cricket enthusiasts can now eagerly await the next high-intensity match, as India and Bangladesh will be facing each other in Dubai. Teams will be fighting to gain early momentum and secure their positions as the tournament gains momentum. And Pakistan, for their part, need to get back on track soon and work on their weaknesses before facing their arch-nemesis in what is shaping up to be another nail-biting encounter.