In the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between Pakistan and New Zealand, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 320/5 in their 50 overs. Openers Will Young and Tom Latham were the standout performers, with Young scoring 107 runs off 113 balls and Latham contributing an unbeaten 118 runs off 104 balls. Their partnership was instrumental in stabilizing the innings after an early collapse, adding 118 runs for the fourth wicket. citeturn0search6
In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup has struggled against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. The team found themselves at 22/2 after 9.6 overs, with both openers dismissed. Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for 3 runs off 14 balls, caught superbly by Glenn Phillips. citeturn0search1 At the same stage, Babar Azam was at the crease with 12 runs off 27 balls.
As of the latest update, Pakistan is at 33/2 after 12 overs, with Babar Azam on 21 runs off 35 balls and Fakhar Zaman on 4 runs off 10 balls. The team needs a significant partnership to stabilize the innings and chase down the target set by New Zealand. citeturn0search1
For real-time updates and detailed statistics, you can refer to the live scorecards provided by reputable sports news outlets. citeturn0search0
New Zealand vs Pakistan: Champions Trophy 2025
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicked off with an electrifying encounter between two cricketing powerhouses, New Zealand and Pakistan, in a highly anticipated opening match. The game, played at the National Stadium in Karachi, promised to be a spectacle, and it did not disappoint. With both teams boasting a wealth of talent, the clash was set to be a defining contest in the tournament’s early stages. This match would set the tone for the competition, with each team eager to make a statement.
New Zealand’s Dominant Innings
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that would prove to be crucial. The pitch at Karachi was flat, with little assistance for the bowlers, making it an ideal surface for the batsmen. The Black Caps were led by their ever-reliable openers, Tom Latham and Will Young, who have been in sensational form leading into the tournament.
From the outset, Latham looked solid and in control. The left-handed opener has always been known for his calm temperament and elegant stroke play, and he showed no signs of nerves in the opening overs. Alongside him, Will Young played with equal composure. The two openers worked in perfect tandem, rotating the strike and finding the gaps with ease. Their partnership flourished as they weathered the initial burst from Pakistan’s pace attack, including Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, two of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket.
Latham was quick to establish his rhythm, with crisp square drives and delicate cuts. He seemed in complete control of the ball, adjusting his timing and placement to accumulate runs steadily. Young, on the other hand, was more cautious at the start, building his innings carefully. Both players were content to accumulate runs while respecting the good balls, playing with a level of maturity and discipline that belied the pressures of playing in a major ICC tournament.
As the innings progressed, Latham accelerated, pushing the scoring rate higher, particularly against Pakistan’s spinners, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz. Latham’s ability to maneuver the ball into gaps in the field and his effortless timing allowed him to pick up boundaries at regular intervals. His authoritative pull shots and perfectly timed drives down the ground provided New Zealand with the momentum they needed.
Will Young, who had played the supporting role early on, also grew in confidence. His drives through cover were precise, and his ability to manipulate the field was a key factor in New Zealand’s building total. As the duo passed the 100-run mark for their opening partnership, it was clear that the Black Caps had established a solid foundation.
New Zealand’s middle order, featuring experienced players like Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips, looked poised to capitalize on the platform laid by the openers. However, just when it seemed like New Zealand might push for an even higher score, Pakistan’s bowlers struck back with key breakthroughs. The wickets of Young and Phillips fell in quick succession, but the innings remained under control due to Latham’s unwavering presence at the crease.
Latham, who had reached a well-played half-century, continued to anchor the innings as the New Zealand batting order built partnerships around him. The arrival of all-rounder Jimmy Neesham and the big-hitting Mitchell Santner provided the final flourish to the innings. Latham’s contribution of 118 runs was vital in taking New Zealand to a competitive total of 320/5 after 50 overs.
Pakistan’s Response: Struggling to Get Going
Chasing 321, Pakistan’s batting lineup, though potent, seemed to be under pressure from the outset. The Pakistani openers, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan, walked out to face New Zealand’s opening bowlers, Trent Boult and Matt Henry, who were in superb form. Boult, with his ability to swing the ball both ways, was an immediate threat to the Pakistani batsmen. Henry, a tall and disciplined bowler, maintained a consistent line and length, keeping the pressure on the Pakistani openers.
From the beginning, Rizwan looked tentative. He struggled to get the timing right against the moving ball. Fakhar Zaman, meanwhile, seemed to be in better touch but was unable to capitalize on the early starts. Rizwan, after facing some early jitters, eventually succumbed to a beautiful delivery from Boult that nipped back in and caught him on the crease. Rizwan was dismissed for just 3 runs off 14 balls, much to the disappointment of the Pakistani fans.
With Rizwan back in the pavilion, Pakistan found themselves at 22/1 after 9.6 overs. The pressure was on, and it only grew when Fakhar Zaman fell shortly after, caught behind off Matt Henry for 12 runs. The Pakistani top order was crumbling, and the situation looked increasingly dire.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain and one of the best batsmen in the world, joined the crease in a crucial situation. He was expected to stabilize the innings, but the task was not easy. With wickets falling at the other end and the pressure mounting, Babar tried to dig in and build a partnership. However, New Zealand’s disciplined attack continued to frustrate Pakistan’s batters. Babar played some solid strokes but was unable to accelerate the innings as he would have liked. By the time the middle overs arrived, Pakistan was struggling at 50/3, with only Babar and Fakhar Zaman’s early start to hang their hopes on.
The Pakistani middle order, which had often been the team’s strength in the past, found it difficult to cope with New Zealand’s high-pressure bowling. Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz all came and went in quick succession. It was clear that New Zealand’s bowlers had seized control of the match. Boult and Henry were outstanding, but even spinners like Mitchell Santner kept the runs under control and created more opportunities for breakthroughs.
Pakistan’s Late Fightback
With Pakistan’s chances of chasing down the total narrowing, it was left to the lower order to fight back. The efforts of Mohammad Rizwan, who had been dismissed early, seemed a distant memory as Pakistan’s middle order stuttered. It was left to Babar Azam to salvage some pride, but even he could not deny New Zealand their victory.
Despite a brief and valiant effort from Babar Azam, who scored 49 runs off 55 balls, Pakistan could not avoid defeat. Babar, along with Shadab Khan, tried to fight till the end, but their efforts proved insufficient as Pakistan was bowled out for 180, falling short by a massive margin.
New Zealand’s victory was built on solid contributions with the bat, especially from Tom Latham and Will Young, and a clinical performance from their bowlers, particularly Trent Boult, who finished with impressive figures.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s win in the opening match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was comprehensive. Their batting, led by Latham’s hundred, laid a strong foundation, while their bowlers executed their plans flawlessly to bowl Pakistan out for just 180. The victory showcased New Zealand’s all-round strength, and they sent a clear message to the other teams in the tournament that they were ready to challenge for the title.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s batting woes continued to haunt them. Their inability to cope with the pressure in a high-stakes tournament was evident, and they would need to regroup quickly if they were to make a successful challenge in the remaining matches.
