Pakistan’s long-awaited return to hosting a global cricket tournament after nearly thirty years was marred by New Zealand’s dominant display in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi.
The co-hosts suffered a 60-run defeat, leaving their semi-final hopes in jeopardy given the tournament’s condensed format, where teams play only three group-stage matches. Tom Latham and Will Young starred with magnificent centuries, setting a formidable total, while New Zealand’s spin attack, despite missing key pacers, stifled Pakistan’s chase.
Table of Contents
Black Caps Spoil Pakistan’s Homecoming With Clinical 60-Run Victory
New Zealand’s innings began on a shaky note, losing Devon Conway for 10 to Abrar Ahmed’s carrom ball and captain Kane Williamson, who registered his first single-digit ODI score in six years. At 40 for 2 in the ninth over and later 73 for 3 in the 17th, Pakistan seemed to have the upper hand. However, Young and Latham’s resilience turned the tide.
Young, often a fringe player, capitalized on his opportunity in Rachin Ravindra’s absence. Demonstrating composure, he navigated testing spells from Naseem Shah and Abrar. His third fifty-plus score in nine innings in Pakistan evolved into a well-crafted century off 107 deliveries, marked by measured stroke play and selective aggression.
Latham, who came into the match after a lean patch, showcased his adaptability. Bringing up his hundred in 95 balls, he ended unbeaten on 118 from 104 deliveries. His innings featured a variety of sweeps that disoriented Pakistan’s spinners, with 52 runs coming square or behind the leg-side wicket.
Phillips Ignites Late Surge With Fiery Knock
Post Young’s dismissal for 107, Latham found an able partner in Glenn Phillips. Their 125-run stand off just 74 balls shifted the momentum further in New Zealand’s favor. Phillips, initially watchful with 10 off 18 balls, accelerated dramatically, reaching his fifty in the next 16 deliveries. His innings of 61 off 39 balls included back-to-back sixes off Shaheen Afridi.
Attempting a ramp shot against Haris Rauf, Phillips mistimed his stroke, resulting in his dismissal. Despite that, New Zealand capitalized on the platform, plundering 113 runs in the last ten overs to set a daunting 320-run target.
Pakistan’s Chase Derails Early
Pakistan’s pursuit began in turmoil. Fakhar Zaman’s early injury while fielding prevented him from opening. His absence was immediately felt as stand-in opener Saud Shakeel fell cheaply to Will O’Rourke for 6. Matt Henry, returning from a knee niggle, restricted scoring opportunities, leaving Pakistan at a meager 22 for 2 after ten overs—their lowest powerplay total since March 2019 and the third lowest in Champions Trophy history.
Babar Azam’s slow-burning fifty off 81 balls offered little respite. Fakhar, batting at No. 4, visibly struggled with mobility, scoring a labored 24 from 41 balls before being undone by a non-turning delivery from Michael Bracewell.
Spin Dominates as Pakistan Falters
With injuries sidelining New Zealand’s premier quicks Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears, their spinners stepped up. Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips consistently bowled away from Pakistan’s hitting zones, extracting variable bounce and turn. Bracewell’s scalps included Fakhar and Rizwan, while Phillips’s sharp fielding added to Pakistan’s woes—his stunning one-handed catch at point to dismiss Rizwan for 3 exemplified New Zealand’s commitment.
The spin stranglehold was so effective that Nathan Smith, the third seamer, wasn’t required until the 31st over, by which time Pakistan’s required rate had escalated to nearly ten an over.
Khushdil’s Late Flourish Proves Insufficient
Khushdil Shah’s brisk 69 from 49 deliveries briefly reignited hopes. He targeted New Zealand’s seamers during the death overs, finding boundaries with ease. However, the required rate remained steep. Lower-order contributions were minimal, and despite late blows, Pakistan succumbed to 260 all out in the 48th over.
Santner’s Leadership Shines Bright
In his first global tournament outing as New Zealand captain, Mitchell Santner managed his resources astutely. His left-arm spin fetched three wickets, albeit at a cost during Pakistan’s late surge.
More importantly, his tactical use of spinners on a turning track paid dividends. Reflecting on the match, Santner remarked, “The way Tom and Will applied themselves after early setbacks was crucial. Our spinners executed the plan perfectly, and Phillips’s all-round contribution was outstanding.”
What’s Next?
This victory marks New Zealand’s third consecutive win over Pakistan within a fortnight, reinforcing their title aspirations. Pakistan now faces arch-rivals India in a do-or-die clash on 23rd February at the Dubai International Stadium. A loss would all but confirm Pakistan’s exit from the Champions Trophy at the group stage, amplifying the stakes of the high-voltage encounter. On the other hand, New Zealand will look to continue their winning momentum when they take on Bangladesh on 24th February at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Addressing his team’s performance, Babar Azam stated, “We failed to build partnerships. Credit to New Zealand, they exploited the conditions better. We need to regroup quickly.”
Read More: Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Bangladesh – Preview, Prediction and Where To Watch The Match LIVE
FAQs
Who were the standout performers for New Zealand in their Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Pakistan?
Will Young and Tom Latham starred with centuries, while Glenn Phillips added a quickfire 61 and contributed with crucial fielding moments.
How did Pakistan fare in their chase of New Zealand’s 320-run total?
Pakistan struggled throughout, managing 260 runs before being bowled out in the 48th over despite Khushdil Shah’s valiant 69 off 49 balls.
What impact did Fakhar Zaman’s injury have on Pakistan’s innings?
Fakhar’s early injury forced him to bat at No. 4, hampering Pakistan’s top-order momentum and limiting his effectiveness at the crease.
What’s next for Pakistan and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan face India in a must-win match on 23rd February at Dubai International Stadium, while New Zealand meet Bangladesh on 24th February at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
How does this result affect Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-finals?
With only three group-stage matches, Pakistan’s 60-run defeat leaves them on the brink of an early exit if they lose to India in their next game.
