New Zealand thrash Pakistan in Champions Trophy opener

KARACHI: In the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand defeated hosts Pakistan by 60 runs.

Pakistan’s first out was batsman Saud Shakeel, who was out for 6 runs, captain Rizwan also returned to the pavilion for a total of 22, he scored 3 runs.

Pakistan’s third wicket fell for 69 runs when Fakhar Zaman was out for 24 runs. The fourth out for Pakistan was Salman Agha, who tried to resist, but he also returned to the pavilion for 42 runs off 28 balls.

Tayyab Tahir, who came after him, also lost his wicket soon and was out for one run. After him, Babar Azam was also out for a total of 153, Babar Azam played an innings of 64 runs off 90 balls.

Pakistan’s seventh wicket fell for 200 runs, Shaheen Shah Afridi was dismissed for 14 runs, the next player to be dismissed was Khushdil Shah, who played an innings of 69 runs off 49 balls.

Pakistan’s ninth wicket fell for 260 runs when Haris Rauf was dismissed for 19 runs.

Earlier, in the match being played at the National Stadium in Karachi, national team captain Muhammad Rizwan won the toss and invited the visiting team to bat.

New Zealand, playing first against Pakistan in the stipulated 50 overs, scored 320 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.

Abrar Ahmed gave Pakistan its first victory when New Zealand’s first wicket fell for 39 runs, Devon Conway was bowled by Abrar Ahmed for 10 runs. Later, Naseem Shah returned Kane Williamson to the pavilion for just 1 run, Williamson was caught by Muhammad Rizwan from behind the wickets.

The third wicket was taken by Haris Rauf, who dismissed Daryl Mitchell, who had scored 10 runs.

Will Young played a brilliant innings of 107 runs, he was dismissed by Naseem Shah on 107 runs. Glenn Phillips was dismissed by Haris Rauf, who played an innings of 61 runs off 39 balls.

Tom Latham played an unbeaten innings of 118 runs, Tom Latham’s innings included three sixes and 10 fours.

Speaking at the toss, national team captain Muhammad Rizwan said that a change has been made in the Pakistan team, fast bowler Haris Rauf has been included in the team in place of Faheem Ashraf.

He said that dew falls here in the second innings, we are the defending champions, there will be a little pressure.

Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner said that the Karachi Stadium wicket looks good, there will be dew at night, and fast bowler Matt Henry has returned to the team.