ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand Triumphs Over Pakistan in Thrilling Opener
The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off in spectacular fashion on February 19, 2025, at the National Stadium in Karachi. The opening match featured defending champions and tournament hosts Pakistan taking on a strong New Zealand side. Cricket fans worldwide were treated to an intense battle as New Zealand emerged victorious by 60 runs, setting the tone for an action-packed tournament.
SPORTS
Ankit Sharma
2/19/20252 min read
Match Overview
New Zealand, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a competitive total of 320/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was propelled by brilliant centuries from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118 not out). The duo’s solid partnership helped New Zealand recover from early setbacks and establish a commanding position.
In response, Pakistan struggled to keep up with the required run rate and faced early blows. Despite valiant efforts from captain Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (58), the hosts fell short, getting bowled out for 260 in 46.3 overs. The absence of injured opener Fakhar Zaman was a significant setback for Pakistan’s chase.
Key Performances
New Zealand:
Will Young: Anchored the innings with a well-constructed 107.
Tom Latham: Led from the front with an unbeaten 118, ensuring a strong finish.
Mitchell Santner & William O'Rourke: Both delivered exceptional spells, claiming three wickets each and restricting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities.
Pakistan:
Babar Azam: Tried to steady the innings with a fighting 64 but lacked adequate support.
Khushdil Shah: Showed resilience in the middle order with a 58-run knock.
Shaheen Afridi: Picked up 2 wickets for 55 runs but couldn’t prevent New Zealand from building a massive total.
Captains’ Reactions:
Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan Captain):
Pakistan’s skipper acknowledged that the team’s death bowling and Fakhar Zaman’s injury played a crucial role in their defeat. He emphasized the need for stronger execution in upcoming matches and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back.
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand Captain):
Santner praised his team’s batting performance and applauded the bowlers for maintaining pressure on Pakistan’s top order. He highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum in the next matches.
Match Turning Points
Latham & Young’s Partnership: Their 165-run stand built a strong platform for New Zealand.
Pakistan’s Top-Order Collapse: Losing wickets early in the chase made it difficult to recover.
Santner’s Spell: His 3/42 dismantled Pakistan’s middle order, sealing the win for New Zealand.
What’s Next?
With this convincing victory, New Zealand takes an early lead in Group A and will now face Bangladesh in their next fixture. On the other hand, Pakistan faces arch-rivals India in a high-stakes encounter that could determine their progression in the tournament.
The Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be an exhilarating competition, with intense battles and standout performances expected in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis!