New Zealand dominates Pakistan in Champions Trophy opener, wins by 60 runs

Karachi: New Zealand secured a comfortable 60-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

Pakistan, chasing a daunting target of 321, was bowled out for 260 in the 48th over, despite half-centuries from Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah.

Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start as they quickly found themselves at 22/2 within the first 10 overs. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan (3) and Saud Shakeel (6) fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position. Fakhar Zaman then joined Babar Azam, and together they attempted to stabilize the innings. However, the pair could only add 47 runs before Fakhar was dismissed by Michael Bracewell for 24 off 41 balls, including four boundaries.

Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha briefly revived Pakistan’s hopes with a quick-fire 42, but he too was dismissed by Nathan Smith in the 31st over. Pakistan’s situation worsened as they lost two more quick wickets, including Babar Azam, leaving them at 153/6 after 34 overs. Babar, who had anchored the innings, was dismissed for a cautious 64 off 90 balls, featuring six boundaries and one six.

At this point, Khushdil Shah came to the crease and took the attack to New Zealand’s bowlers. He raced to 69 off 49 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six. However, his promising knock came to an end when he was dismissed by Will O’Rourke in the 44th over, leaving Pakistan needing another 48 runs with just three wickets in hand.

Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah showed some resistance towards the end, but their efforts proved to be in vain. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Santner and O’Rourke, who claimed three wickets each, combined with Matt Henry’s two wickets, sealed the victory for the visitors. Pakistan was bowled out for 260, handing New Zealand the win by 60 runs.

Earlier, New Zealand’s innings saw them post a challenging total of 320/5 in their 50 overs after being put in to bat first. They were off to a shaky start as Pakistan’s mystery spinner, Abrar Ahmed, dismissed Devon Conway for just 10 runs on the third ball of the eighth over. New Zealand soon found themselves at 73/3 in 16.2 overs after pacers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf claimed the wickets of Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10).

However, a solid partnership between wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham and all-rounder Rachin Ravindra steadied New Zealand’s innings. The pair added 118 runs for the fourth wicket, putting New Zealand in a commanding position. Latham, in particular, played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten as he anchored the innings with a brilliant century. He finished on 118 off 104 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes.

Latham was well-supported by Glenn Phillips, who added a quick-fire 61 from 39 deliveries, with three fours and four sixes. Their efforts guided New Zealand to a total of 320/5, a challenging score for Pakistan to chase.

For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf were the pick of the bowlers, each taking two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed accounted for one dismissal. Despite the fightback from Babar, Khushdil, and the tailenders, New Zealand’s total proved too much for Pakistan, as they fell short by 60 runs in the end.