Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign in the worst way possible, suffering a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament’s opening match on Wednesday, February 19, at National Stadium in Karachi.
Having batted first, New Zealand capitalized on brilliant centuries from Will Young (107 off 113) and Tom Latham (118 off 104) to achieve a formidable total of 320/5 in their designated 50 overs.
In response, Pakistan were dismissed for 260 in 47.2 overs with William O’Rourke (3/39) and Mitchell Santner (3/66) wreaking havoc on their batting lineup.
Consequently, the hosts started their title defense in a forgettable way and are close to being eliminated from the tournament. Pakistan’s disappointing performance once again took a toll on their supporters, who backed them during the entire match, as an ICC event returned to their country after nearly 30 years.
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Pakistan stubbled in chase of 321
Pakistan’s pursuit began with a terrible performance as openers Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam struggled to score rapidly. Shakeel was elevated to the top of the batting order as the regulations required Fakhar Zaman to remain in the dugout longer, compensating for the time he missed while injured during fielding in the first innings.
The tenacity of New Zealand seamers ultimately paid off when William O’Rourke succeeded in finding the outside edge of Saud Shakeel (6 off 19), which was securely caught by Matt Henry at first slip.
To address Fakhar’s situation, Pakistan needed to entirely reorganize their batting lineup, with captain Mohammad Rizwan stepping in at number three amid significant pressure.
Even in good form, the Pakistan captain struggled to get going as the New Zealand bowlers maintained their grip on him and Babar. Rizwan was ultimately out for 3 (14) thanks to an incredible one-handed catch by Glenn Phillips at point, leaving Pakistan at 22/2 after ten overs.
Following the two early setbacks, Fakhar Zaman eventually made his way to the crease, but he was not at his peak performance as he trudged out to the middle. His entry did assist Pakistan in raising their run rate from 2.2 to above three runs per over. Nonetheless, it remained insufficient to trouble the opposition, who persisted in applying pressure through offensive field arrangements.
After Devon Conway dropped him, Fakhar’s difficult innings finished on 24 (41) when Michael Bracewell bowled him out. Pakistan stood at 69/3 after 21 overs when Salman Agha came to the crease to join Babar, who faced significant criticism for his lack of aggression during his innings.
Young, Latham hundreds led New Zealand to 320/5
After loss of early wickets, Tom Latham joined Will Young, who appeared to be playing on an entirely different pitch. After taking Rachin Ravindra’s spot in the playing XI during the tri-series, Young ultimately rewarded the team management’s trust by scoring his half-century off 55 balls.
He also mentioned his fourth ODI century off 107 balls and continued to play a superb innings of 107 (113) to save New Zealand. Young contributed 118 runs for the fourth wicket alongside Latham, who reached his eighth ODI century, finishing with an unbeaten 118* (104) that included ten fours and three sixes. Glenn Phillips delivered an explosive end to the innings with a stunning 61 (39), unleashing fury on the Pakistan bowlers.
