KARACHI: Pakistan’s batting line-up faltered in pursuit of New Zealand’s target of 321 runs in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi on Wednesday. New Zealand won the match by 60 runs.
Pakistan’s first batter to be dismissed was Saud Shakeel who was dismissed for six runs, at an overall score of 22. Captain Rizwan also returned to the pavilion after scoring only three runs.
Pakistan’s third wicket fell for 69 runs when Fakhar Zaman was out for 24. Salman Ali Agha was Pakistan’s fourth player to be dismissed. Those who tried to stay also returned to the pavilion after scoring 42 runs in 28 balls.
Tayyab Tahir lost his wicket soon and got out for one run. After him, Babar Azam was also dismissed on a total score of 153. Babar Azam played an innings of 64 runs in 90 balls.
Pakistan’s seventh wicket fell on 200 runs when Shaheen Shah Afridi was dismissed for 14 runs followed by Khushdil who scored 69 in 49 balls, Haris Rauf 29 and Naseem Shah.
Earlier, New Zealand piled up 320 runs and gave defending champions Pakistan a target of 321 runs.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and invited the visiting team to bat first. The Kiwis scored 320 runs for the loss of five wickets in the stipulated 50 overs.
Pakistan’s first success came from Abrar Ahmed when New Zealand’s first wicket fell for 39, Devon Conway was bowled by Abrar Ahmed for 10. Later, Naseem Shah sent Kane Williamson to the pavilion for just one run. Williamson was caught by Mohammad Rizwan from behind the wickets.
The third wicket was taken by Haris Rauf who sent back Daryl Mitchell, when he scored 10 runs.
Will Young played a brilliant innings of 107 runs, and was dismissed by Naseem Shah. 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. His innings included three sixes and 10 fours.
Speaking at the toss, national team captain Mohammad Rizwan said that a change had been made in the Pakistan team. Fast bowler Haris Rauf has replaced Faheem Ashraf in the team.
There is dew here in the second innings, we are the defending champions, there will be a bit of pressure.”
In addition, Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner said that the wicket of Karachi Stadium is looking good, there will be dew at night, fast bowler Matt Henry has returned to the team.
The ICC event is being held in Pakistan after 29 years.
Before the start of the match, a flypast was performed by the Pakistan Air Force on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy.
The Pakistan Air Force’s Sherdil team saluted the Pakistani nation by spreading the colors of the national flag in the air.
President Asif Ali Zardari along with his daughter Aseefa Bhutto was present at the opening ceremony
