Will Young scored a magnificent 107 runs, before being dismissed by Naseem Shah.
New Zealand Defeats Pakistan by 60 Runs in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Opener. New Zealand triumphed over host nation Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled throughout the match, with Saud Shakeel being the first to depart for 6 runs, followed by captain Mohammad Rizwan, who was dismissed for 3 runs at a team score of 22. Fakhar Zaman fell at 69 runs, contributing 24 runs. Salman Agha, who tried to resist, was dismissed for 42 runs off 28 balls. Tayyab Tahir also failed to make an impact, getting out for just 1 run.
Babar Azam was the top scorer for Pakistan, making 64 runs off 90 balls before being dismissed at a team score of 153. Shaheen Afridi followed soon after, getting out for 14 runs. Khushdil Shah contributed a solid 69 runs off 49 balls, but Pakistan’s ninth wicket fell at 260, with Haris Rauf being dismissed for 19 runs.
Earlier, New Zealand, batting first after winning the toss, posted a total of 320 runs for 5 wickets in 50 overs. Abrar Ahmed provided Pakistan’s first breakthrough, dismissing Devon Conway for 10 runs. Naseem Shah then dismissed New Zealand captain Kane Williamson for just 1 run. Haris Rauf removed Daryl Mitchell for 10 runs, and later dismissed Glenn Phillips, who made 61 runs off 39 balls.
Will Young scored a magnificent 107 runs, before being dismissed by Naseem Shah. Tom Latham remained not out at 118 runs, which included three sixes and 10 fours, anchoring New Zealand’s total.
Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the pressure, stating that the team made one change with Haris Rauf replacing Faheem Ashraf. He also noted the dew factor in the second innings, adding that as the defending champions, there was added pressure.
New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner said the Karachi pitch looked good, and they expected some dew in the evening. He also mentioned the return of fast bowler Matt Henry to the squad.
