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New Zealand Outclass Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 Opener

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The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off on February 19, 2025, at the National Stadium in Karachi, with New Zealand delivering a commanding 60-run victory over hosts and defending champions Pakistan in the tournament’s opening match. In a clash that set the tone for the eight-team competition, the Black Caps showcased their depth and resilience, overcoming early setbacks to dominate a Pakistani side that struggled to find its footing on home soil.

Pakistan Opt to Bowl, New Zealand Start Steady

Under overcast skies, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to field, banking on the prospect of dew aiding their chase later under lights. The decision seemed promising initially as New Zealand’s top order faced early pressure. Openers Devon Conway (10) and Kane Williamson (1) fell cheaply to spinner Abrar Ahmed and pacer Naseem Shah, respectively, leaving the Kiwis at 21/2 in the fifth over. Daryl Mitchell (10) followed soon after, dismissed by Haris Rauf, reducing New Zealand to 73/3 by the 16th over.
 
However, Pakistan’s early breakthroughs couldn’t derail the visitors’ resolve. Will Young and Tom Latham, stepping into the breach, stitched together a match-defining 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Young, playing with elegance and grit, reached his century off 107 balls, peppering the boundary with 11 fours and a six. Latham, meanwhile, anchored the innings with a composed knock, eventually finishing unbeaten on 118 off 104 balls—his fifth ODI ton.

Phillips’ Blitz Propels New Zealand to 320

Just as Pakistan appeared to regain control with Young’s dismissal in the 38th over, Glenn Phillips unleashed a ferocious assault. Scoring 61 off just 39 balls, including a flurry of boundaries and aerial shots, Phillips added a rapid 125-run stand with Latham for the fifth wicket. His late onslaught ensured New Zealand posted a daunting 320/5 in their 50 overs—a total that looked improbable after their shaky start. Naseem Shah (2/63) was Pakistan’s standout bowler, but the hosts’ attack lacked consistency, with Haris Rauf (1/66) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (0/54) unable to stem the flow of runs.

Pakistan’s Chase Falters Early

Chasing 321, Pakistan needed a strong start, but their innings unraveled quickly. Opener Saud Shakeel (6) fell in the fourth over to Matt Henry, and captain Rizwan (3) followed in the eighth, caught brilliantly by Phillips off Will O’Rourke. At 22/2 after 10 overs—their slowest Powerplay in a home ODI since 2002—the hosts were already on the back foot. Fakhar Zaman, hampered by an injury sustained while fielding, managed 24 off 41 balls at No. 4, but his labored stay ended when Michael Bracewell bowled him with a straight one.
Babar Azam offered resistance with a painstaking 64 off 90 balls, but his lack of intent drew criticism from fans and analysts alike. With the required rate climbing, Pakistan’s middle order failed to ignite. It wasn’t until Khushdil Shah’s counterattacking 69 off 49 balls, featuring powerful strokeplay, that the crowd found some hope. Salman Agha chipped in with a brisk 42 off 28, but their efforts came too late. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by O’Rourke (3/47) and Mitchell Santner (3/66), maintained relentless pressure, bowling Pakistan out for 260 in 47.2 overs.

Turning Points and Standout Performances

  • Young and Latham’s Rescue Act: Their 118-run stand turned the game after New Zealand’s early wobble, setting a platform for the late surge.
  • Phillips’ Game-Changing Cameo: His 61 off 39 tilted the momentum decisively, pushing the total beyond Pakistan’s reach.
  • Pakistan’s Powerplay Struggles: Scoring just 22/2 in the first 10 overs crippled their chase, exposing tactical missteps and a lack of aggression.
  • O’Rourke’s New-Ball Mastery: The young pacer’s three wickets, including Rizwan’s prized scalp, underlined his growing stature.

Implications for the Tournament

For New Zealand, the win—their fourth consecutive victory over Pakistan in Champions Trophy history—marked a statement of intent. With two points and a net run rate (NRR) of +1.200, they sit atop Group A, bolstered by a balanced attack and a batting lineup firing on all cylinders. Captain Santner lauded the team’s adaptability, noting, “To get 320 after losing three early wickets was special. The bowlers then backed it up superbly.”
 
Pakistan, however, face immediate pressure. Their NRR of -1.200 after the 60-run defeat leaves little margin for error in a short, sharp tournament where only the top two from each group advance. The loss—compounded by a third straight defeat to New Zealand in recent weeks—exposed frailties in their batting approach and fielding lapses, with three dropped catches proving costly. Rizwan’s decision to bowl first backfired, and the team’s inability to capitalize on home conditions has set alarm bells ringing ahead of their blockbuster clash with India on February 23 in Dubai.
 
New Zealand will look to build on this momentum when they face India on March 2, while Pakistan must regroup quickly for their must-win encounter against arch-rivals India. In a format where every game counts, the hosts’ title defense hangs in the balance, while the Kiwis have laid down an early marker as serious contenders for the iconic white jackets on March 9.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is off to a cracking start, and if this opener is anything to go by, fans are in for a rollercoaster ride over the next 19 days.
Click here for complete schedule for IPL 2025

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