PAK VS NZ: ICC Champion trophy 2025 highlights
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began with an exciting clash between PAK vs NZ at the National Stadium, Karachi, on February 19, 2025. Cricket enthusiasts were treated to a thrilling contest, but New Zealand’s strong batting display and disciplined bowling attack secured them a convincing 60-run victory over the hosts.
PAK VS NZ: This match was historic for Pakistan, marking their return as hosts of an ICC event after nearly three decades. The 34,000-strong crowd at the stadium created an electrifying atmosphere, passionately cheering for the home team. Adding to the grandeur of the event, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari, alongside several dignitaries, attended the match. The National Stadium, which had undergone extensive renovations, provided world-class facilities and top-tier security, ensuring a smooth experience for players and spectators.
Batting first, New Zealand posted 320/5 in 50 overs, courtesy of a superb 118 from Tom Latham* and a composed 107 from Will Young. Pakistan’s chase lacked momentum despite Babar Azam’s 64 and Khushdil Shah’s aggressive 69, as they were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
With this dominant win, New Zealand made a powerful statement, while Pakistan will aim for a strong comeback in the tournament.
The National Stadium, Karachi, is the largest cricket stadium in Pakistan, with a seating capacity of 34,000. Established in 1955, it has long been considered a fortress for the Pakistan cricket team, holding an unbeaten Test record for 34 years (1955–2000). Over the years, the stadium has hosted several iconic matches, making it a symbol of Pakistan’s rich cricketing history.
In preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the National Stadium underwent major renovations to enhance the overall experience for players and spectators. Key upgrades included:
PAK VS NZ: The 34,000-strong crowd at the Champions Trophy opener created an electrifying atmosphere, passionately supporting the home team. Fans waved Pakistani flags, chanted team slogans, and erupted in cheers with every boundary and wicket. However, as Pakistan struggled to chase down New Zealand’s total, the mood in the stadium grew tense, with supporters anxiously hoping for a miraculous comeback that never materialized. Despite the loss, the enthusiasm and passion of the crowd showcased Pakistan’s unwavering love for cricket.
After being sent in to bat, New Zealand displayed resilience and determination, overcoming an early setback to build a strong total. Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118)* formed a crucial partnership, anchoring the innings and steadily increasing the run rate. Their composed batting ensured that New Zealand recovered from early pressure and capitalized in the later overs. Despite Pakistan’s efforts, New Zealand managed to post a formidable 320/5 in 50 overs, setting a challenging target. Their well-paced innings and strategic shot selection played a key role in establishing control over the game, ultimately putting Pakistan under immense pressure.
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Will Young | 107 | 123 | 12 | 1 | 87.0 |
| Tom Latham* | 118* | 132 | 10 | 2 | 89.4 |
| Glenn Phillips | 61 | 39 | 5 | 4 | 156.4 |
| Devon Conway | 24 | 28 | 3 | 0 | 85.7 |
| Kane Williamson | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20.0 |
| Daryl Mitchell | 5 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 55.6 |
| Total | 320/5 |
PAK VS NZ: Pakistan’s bowlers began strongly, applying early pressure on New Zealand’s batting lineup. However, they struggled to maintain momentum in the later stages, conceding runs as Will Young and Tom Latham built a dominant partnership. The lack of breakthroughs in the middle overs allowed New Zealand to post a challenging total.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Naseem Shah | 10 | 58 | 2 | 5.8 |
| Haris Rauf | 10 | 72 | 1 | 7.2 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 10 | 55 | 1 | 5.5 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 10 | 60 | 0 | 6.0 |
| Faheem Ashraf | 5 | 35 | 0 | 7.0 |
PAK VS NZ: Pakistan’s chase of 321 never gained momentum as they lost wickets at crucial moments, making the task increasingly difficult. Despite a steady knock from Babar Azam (64 off 85 balls) and a late counterattack by Khushdil Shah (69 off 49 balls), the required run rate kept climbing. The batting lineup struggled to build partnerships, with New Zealand’s bowlers maintaining tight control. Every time Pakistan seemed to recover, another wicket fell, derailing their chase. In the end, the lack of sustained momentum and early collapses proved costly, as they were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs, falling 60 runs short.
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Saud Shakeel | 12 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 80.0 |
| Babar Azam | 64 | 85 | 7 | 1 | 75.3 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 42.9 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 24 | 30 | 3 | 0 | 80.0 |
| Salman Agha | 42 | 50 | 5 | 0 | 84.0 |
| Khushdil Shah | 69 | 49 | 10 | 1 | 140.8 |
| Total | 260 all out (47.2 overs) |
PAK vs NZ: New Zealand’s bowlers put on a relentless display of accuracy and discipline, consistently striking at crucial moments to derail Pakistan’s chase. By taking wickets at regular intervals, they prevented Pakistan’s batting lineup from gaining any momentum. Their tight line and length, combined with strategic field placements, made it difficult for Pakistan to build partnerships. Matt Henry (3/48) and Tim Southee (2/50) led the attack, keeping the pressure on throughout the innings. Despite Babar Azam’s 64 and Khushdil Shah’s 69, Pakistan failed to recover, eventually getting bowled out for 260, handing New Zealand a convincing 60-run victory.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Tim Southee | 10 | 50 | 2 | 5.0 |
| Trent Boult | 10 | 60 | 1 | 6.0 |
| Matt Henry | 10 | 48 | 3 | 4.8 |
| Mitchell Santner | 10 | 58 | 2 | 5.8 |
Pak vs NZ New Zealand clinched victory by 60 runs, starting their Champions Trophy campaign on a high note.
Tom Latham received the award for his match-winning knock of 118 off 132 balls*, anchoring New Zealand’s innings.
The game-changing partnership between Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118)**, which propelled New Zealand to a massive 320/5 in 50 overs.
Despite Babar Azam’s 64 and Khushdil Shah’s late fireworks (69 off 49 balls), Pakistan lost wickets at crucial junctures, falling short at 260 all out.
Matt Henry (3/48) and Tim Southee (2/50) led a disciplined attack, consistently breaking partnerships and restricting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities.
The stadium was packed with 34,000 energetic fans, creating a thrilling yet tense atmosphere as Pakistan’s chase faltered.
Lack of partnerships, poor middle-order acceleration, and struggling against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack contributed to their downfall.
Pakistan must bounce back quickly in their upcoming matches to stay in contention for the semi-finals, making their next game a must-win.
PAK VS NZ: New Zealand delivered a clinical and commanding performance, asserting their dominance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Pakistan. Their well-balanced approach in both batting and bowling showcased their strength as serious title contenders. The centuries from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118)* provided a solid foundation, while Glenn Phillips’ late onslaught (61 off 39 balls) ensured a formidable total of 320/5. Their disciplined bowling, spearheaded by Matt Henry (3/48) and Tim Southee (2/50), kept Pakistan in check, never allowing them to gain momentum.
On the other hand, Pakistan, despite playing on home soil with a passionate crowd of 34,000 fans, failed to capitalize on key moments. While Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69 off 49 balls) showed resistance, frequent wicket losses derailed the chase, leading to their defeat by 60 runs. The lack of partnerships and struggles in the middle overs exposed Pakistan’s vulnerabilities, making it clear they need urgent improvements in their batting strategy and execution.
PAK vs NZ With this strong start, New Zealand has set the tone for an exciting tournament, while Pakistan must regroup and strategize to stay in contention for the semi-finals. Their next match will be a crucial test of their resilience.
Read more: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Full Schedule, Teams, Telecast, Live Streaming, and More
Stay tuned: Icc champions trophy 2025
CSK vs RCB IPL 2025, In a thrilling showdown on March 28, 2025, at the…
Catch all the thrilling action from the SRH vs LSG IPL 2025 showdown, where Lucknow…
The RR vs KKR IPL 2025 match held on March 26, 2025, in Jaipur was…
GT vs PBKS IPL 2025, The fifth match of TATA IPL 2025 served up a…
The LSG vs DC IPL 2025 match turned out to be one of the most…
KKR vs RCB IPL 2025, Cricket fans witnessed an electrifying showdown as Kolkata Knight Riders…