ICC Champions trophy 2025
All Match List of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
1st Match In The Group A Pak VS New Zealand
The Pakistan vs New Zealand match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was a thrilling encounter held at the National Stadium in Karachi. Pakistan, the defending champions, faced New Zealand in the tournament opener. Here’s a detailed summary of the match:
Match Overview
- Date: February 19, 2025
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Toss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first.
- Result: New Zealand posted a formidable total of 320/5 in 50 overs, and Pakistan struggled in their chase, finishing at 187/6 in 39 overs before the match concluded.
New Zealand’s Innings
New Zealand’s batting was led by Tom Latham (118* off 104 balls) and Will Young (107 off 113 balls), who both scored centuries. Their 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket stabilized the innings after New Zealand was reduced to 73/3 in the 17th over. Glenn Phillips provided a late surge with a quickfire 61 off 39 balls, including two sixes in an over against Shaheen Afridi, helping New Zealand cross the 300-run mark.
- Key Performers:
- Tom Latham: 118* (104 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes)
- Will Young: 107 (113 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes)
- Glenn Phillips: 61 (39 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes)
- Pakistan’s Bowling:
- Naseem Shah: 2/63
- Haris Rauf: 1/65
- Shaheen Afridi: 0/68
Pakistan’s Chase
Pakistan’s chase began poorly, losing early wickets. Babar Azam (64 off 90 balls) and Salman Agha (42 off 28 balls) tried to stabilize the innings, but Pakistan struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Mitchell Santner (2 wickets) and Nathan Smith (1 wicket) were instrumental in breaking key partnerships. Pakistan’s innings faltered after Babar’s dismissal, and they ended at 187/6 in 39 overs.
- Key Moments:
- Babar Azam’s Fifty: Babar scored a slow but steady 50 off 81 balls, but his dismissal in the 34th over ended Pakistan’s hopes.
- Salman Agha’s Aggression: Agha hit 6 fours and a six in his 28-ball 42, but his dismissal in the 31st over further dented Pakistan’s chances.
- Fakhar Zaman’s Struggles: Fakhar, battling an injury, scored 24 off 41 balls before being bowled by Michael Bracewell.
- New Zealand’s Bowling:
- Mitchell Santner: 2/40
- Nathan Smith: 1/32
- Michael Bracewell: 1/45
Match Highlights
- New Zealand’s Batting Dominance: Centuries from Latham and Young, combined with Phillips’ late fireworks, set a challenging target.
- Pakistan’s Collapse: Losing wickets at regular intervals, Pakistan never gained momentum in the chase.
- Fielding Brilliance: Glenn Phillips took a stunning catch to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan, showcasing New Zealand’s sharp fielding.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s comprehensive performance with both bat and ball secured a convincing victory in the tournament opener. Pakistan, despite being the hosts and defending champions, faced an uphill battle and fell short in their chase. The match highlighted New Zealand’s depth and Pakistan’s struggles under pressure.