Match Overview
- Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand
- Date: February 19, 2025
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Toss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first
- Match Status: Ongoing
Match Preview
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 commenced today with an exciting encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand. This match holds historical significance as Pakistan is hosting a major ICC event after nearly 29 years. Enthusiastic fans have gathered at Karachi’s National Stadium to witness this high-stakes game.
Pakistan’s Playing XI:
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK)
- Agha Salman
- Tayyab Tahir
- Khushdil Shah
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand’s Playing XI:
- Devon Conway
- Will Young
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (WK)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- Nathan Smith
- Matt Henry
- Will O’Rourke
Live Match Updates
Toss Update: Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and chose to field first, aiming to utilize early pitch conditions favorable for bowlers.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began with a high-stakes clash between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium, Karachi. Cricket fans were treated to an intense battle as both teams fought to start their campaign on a strong note.
New Zealand’s Commanding Batting Performance
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, New Zealand made full use of the batting conditions, posting a formidable total of 320/5 in 50 overs. The Kiwi batters played with patience and aggression, putting Pakistan’s bowling attack under pressure.
Key Highlights of New Zealand’s Innings:
- Tom Latham played a captain’s knock, scoring an unbeaten 118 off 102 balls, anchoring the innings beautifully.
- Will Young provided great support with a well-crafted 107 off 95 balls, setting the foundation for a big total.
- Glenn Phillips contributed a quickfire 42 off 28 balls, accelerating in the final overs.
- Naseem Shah was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking 2/63 in his 10 overs.
- Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf managed to take a wicket each, but overall, Pakistan’s bowling struggled against the Kiwi batting onslaught.
Pakistan’s Chase: A Struggle to Keep Up
Chasing a target of 321, Pakistan needed a solid start, but early wickets derailed their momentum. The Pakistani batters showed glimpses of brilliance but failed to convert starts into match-winning knocks.
Key Moments of Pakistan’s Innings:
- Fakhar Zaman fell early for just 12 runs, followed by Imam-ul-Haq, who was dismissed for 10, leaving Pakistan at 22/2.
- Babar Azam fought hard, scoring 64 off 90 balls, but struggled to accelerate against disciplined bowling.
- Mohammad Rizwan added 45 runs, stabilizing the innings for a while, but his dismissal increased the pressure.
- Saud Shakeel (32), Iftikhar Ahmed (28), and Shadab Khan (36 off 27) tried to fight back but couldn’t form lasting partnerships.
- Pakistan was bowled out for 276 in 48.3 overs, falling 44 runs short of the target.
Match-Winning Bowling by New Zealand
New Zealand’s bowlers kept the Pakistani batters in check with their consistent line and length.
- Trent Boult led the attack with 3/45, troubling Pakistan’s top order.
- Mitchell Santner (2/38) provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.
- Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee also chipped in with vital wickets, ensuring Pakistan never gained control.
Match Result & Conclusion
New Zealand secured a comprehensive 44-run victory, starting their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on a high note. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup and come back stronger in their upcoming matches to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Final Score:
- New Zealand: 320/5 (50 overs)
- Pakistan: 276 all out (48.3 overs)
🔹 Player of the Match: Tom Latham (118* off 102 balls)
Pakistan will now look ahead to their next match, where they must address their top-order struggles and bowling inconsistencies to bounce back in the tournament.
📢 Stay tuned for more updates, analysis, and match previews from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025!
