Karachi: New Zealand opened their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a commanding 60-run victory over defending champions Pakistan at the National Bank Stadium here, exposing familiar frailties in Pakistan’s batting lineup.
The result not only extended New Zealand’s dominance over Pakistan in the tournament, with a 4-0 head-to-head record, but also left the hosts facing an uphill battle in a tough Group A, where only two teams will progress to the semi-finals.
Earlier, centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young powered New Zealand to a formidable 320/5 in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against Pakistan at the National Bank Stadium.
The Kiwis finished with a flourish, accumulating 131 runs in the last 10 overs, setting up a daunting target for the hosts.
After being asked to bat first, New Zealand suffered early setbacks as Pakistan’s pace attack made an impact. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah started tidily with the new ball, keeping openers Will Young and Devon Conway under pressure. Pakistan’s bowlers found little swing, but Naseem, in particular, extracted movement off the pitch, troubling the batters.
The breakthrough came in the ninth over when leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed bowled a beauty to dismiss Conway (10). The carrom ball pitched on middle and leg before turning past the bat to hit off-stump, leaving the left-hander stunned. Pakistan struck again in the very next over when Naseem produced an unplayable outswinger to send Kane Williamson back for just 1. Williamson edged one to the wicketkeeper as New Zealand were reduced to 48/2 at the end of the powerplay.
Babar Azam eyes Pak glory on home soilNew Delhi: Babar Azam, Pakistan’s premier batter, is gearing up to lead his nation in a historic ICC Champions Trophy on home soil. Nearly eight years after helping Pakistan clinch the 2017 title, the star batter is determined to guide his team to another triumph, this time in front of their passionate fans. “I am very excited,” Babar was quoted by ICC as saying “We are going to have an ICC tournament in Pakistan after a very long time. As a player, I am very excited, and all the fans are excited.” “When you have responsibility as a senior player and the team relies on you, I take it in a positive way,” Babar said. “I try to give my best in every match so that Pakistan wins, and I enjoy my cricket.” Despite Pakistan’s struggles in recent ICC tournaments, Babar remains unfazed. “There is no pressure of anything. What has happened in the past is beyond us. We have discussed our mistakes and worked on them, and we will try not to repeat them.” |
