Pak vs NZ Highlights, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: NZ Outclass PAK by 60 Runs
New Zealand kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run victory over Pakistan at the National Stadium, Karachi. Batting first, the Kiwis put up a substantial total of 320/5, thanks to stellar performances from Will Young (107), Tom Latham (118), and Glenn Phillips (61 off 39 balls).* In response, Pakistan struggled under pressure, getting bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
New Zealand’s Batting Brilliance
- Will Young anchored the innings with a solid 107 runs.
- Tom Latham remained unbeaten at 118, crucial in building partnerships.
- Glenn Phillips provided a late boost with a quickfire 61 off 39 balls.
Despite quickly losing Conway and Williamson, NZ recovered well, and strong middle-order partnerships ensured a challenging total for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Struggles in the Chase
Chasing 321, Pakistan faced early setbacks:
- Saud Shakeel (6) and Mohammad Rizwan (3) fell cheaply.
- Pakistan managed only 22 runs in the first powerplay, the lowest for any team at home.
- Fakhar Zaman, returning from injury, was dismissed for 24 after being dropped earlier by Daryl Mitchell.
Babar Azam (64 off 90) and Salman Agha (42 off 28) tried to rebuild, but their dismissals left Pakistan in deep trouble. Pakistan couldn’t chase the target despite a fighting knock from Khushdil Shah (69 off 49).
New Zealand’s Bowling Stars
- William O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner took three wickets each, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup.
- Michael Bracewell dismissed Fakhar Zaman, while Nathan Smith took the crucial wicket of Agha Salman.
This victory marks New Zealand’s fourth consecutive win against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, continuing their dominance in the tournament.
Match Summary
🏏 New Zealand – 320/5 (50.0 overs)
🏏 Pakistan – 260/10 (47.2 overs)
✅ New Zealand won by 60 runs
Key Moments:
✔ Pakistan struggled early, losing 2 wickets for just 22 runs in the powerplay.
✔ Babar Azam hit his 54th ODI fifty but couldn’t see Pakistan through.
✔ Fakhar Zaman played with an injury but failed to make an impact.
✔ Khushdil Shah’s fighting 69 wasn’t enough for Pakistan to chase 321.
✔ Santner and O’Rourke led the Kiwi bowling attack, picking up crucial wickets.
Also Read: Cricket News
Match Details:
📅 Date: February 19, 2025
📍 Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
🏏 Toss: Pakistan elected to field
Pakistan Playing XI:
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand Playing XI:
Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke
New Zealand continues their impressive form against Pakistan in ICC tournaments, keeping their unbeaten Champions Trophy record intact.
This article was initially published in Hindustantimes
