New Zealand Crush Pakistan by 60 Runs in Champions Trophy 2025 Opener
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- February 20, 2025
- 10:50 am
- 305
- Sports
Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 match kicked off the tournament with a thrilling encounter in Karachi. The defending champions, Pakistan, faced a tough challenge as New Zealand dominated the game, securing a 60-run victory. Tom Latham and Will Young’s centuries powered the Kiwis to a commanding total of 320-5. Pakistan, despite a fighting knock from Khushdil Shah, fell short and were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
New Zealand’s Batting Masterclass
Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first. However, their bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand’s top order. The visitors lost Devon Conway early, bowled by Abrar Ahmed for just 10. Soon after, Kane Williamson departed for a rare single-digit score, leaving New Zealand at 40-2.
Will Young and Tom Latham then took control. Young played with patience, surviving tough spells from Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed. As the innings progressed, he accelerated, reaching his century in 107 balls. Meanwhile, Latham played aggressively, using a variety of sweeps to disrupt Pakistan’s spinners. He brought up his hundred off just 95 balls.
The duo added 125 runs before Young fell for 107. Glenn Phillips then provided the finishing touch, smashing a quickfire 61 off 39 balls. His explosive hitting, including back-to-back sixes off Shaheen Afridi, pushed New Zealand to 320-5.
Pakistan’s Struggles in the Chase
Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start. Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury in the first over while fielding and couldn’t open the innings. As a result, makeshift opener Saud Shakeel stepped in but fell cheaply for 6. The hosts crawled to 22-2 in the first ten overs, their lowest powerplay score in an ODI match since 2019.
When Fakhar finally came out to bat at No. 4, he struggled to time the ball. New Zealand’s spinners, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips, kept him quiet before Bracewell eventually bowled him for 24. Meanwhile, Babar Azam also failed to accelerate, taking 81 balls to reach his fifty.
New Zealand’s Clinical Bowling Performance
New Zealand’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly. Will O’Rourke led the attack, taking 3-47 in nine overs. Mitchell Santner also grabbed three wickets, though he was expensive toward the end. Matt Henry bowled with precision, returning figures of 2-25 in 7.2 overs.
Khushdil Shah provided a late fightback, smashing 69 off 49 balls. However, the required run rate had already climbed beyond Pakistan’s reach. The lower order tried to swing big but couldn’t handle New Zealand’s disciplined bowling. Pakistan were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
Pakistan now face their arch-rivals India on February 23 in Dubai. A win is crucial to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Meanwhile, India will take on Bangladesh in Dubai today at 02:00 PST.
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