PAK vs NZ: PAK vs NZ Match summary | New Zealand Clinch Victory in Champions Trophy 2025 Opener

New Zealand Outclass Pakistan in Champions Trophy Opener

Scorecard Summary – PAK vs NZ, ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand: 320/5 (50 Overs)

1. Tom Latham – 118* (104) 
2. Will Young – 107 (113) 
3. Glenn Phillips – 61 (39) 
4. Naseem Shah – 2/63 
5. Haris Rauf – 2/83 

Pakistan: 260 all out (47.2 Overs)

1. Babar Azam – 64 (90) 
2. Khushdil Shah – 69 (49) 
3. Salman Agha – 42 (28) 
4. William O’Rourke – 3/47 
5. Mitchell Santner – 3/66 

Result: New Zealand won by 60 runs 
Player of the Match: Tom Latham (118*) 

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off with a thrilling encounter between NZ and PAK at the National Stadium, Karachi. PAK won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to take early advantage of home conditions. However, NZ’s batting lineup proved too strong, led by a sensational century from Tom Latham, securing a 60-run victory over PAK.

NZ got off to a steady start despite losing early wickets. Will Young played a crucial knock of 107 off 113 balls, setting the foundation for a competitive total. Conway contributed 10 before falling to Abrar Ahmed, while Kane Williamson managed only a single run. Daryl Mitchell was dismissed for 10, but the real highlight of the innings came from Latham, who remained unbeaten on 118 from 104 balls. Glenn Phillips added 61 off 39 to push NZ to an imposing total of 320/5 in 50 overs.

PAK's bowling attack struggled to contain NZ’s batting assault. Shaheen Afridi went wicketless in his 10 overs, conceding 68 runs, while Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf picked up two wickets each but at an expensive economy rate. Abrar Ahmed was the most economical bowler with figures of 1/47.

Chasing 321, PAK faced an early collapse. Saud Shakeel departed for 6, followed by Mohammad Rizwan, who managed only 3. Fakhar Zaman played a fighting knock of 24 but was cleaned up by Michael Bracewell. Babar Azam, leading the side, contributed a solid 64 off 90, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Salman Agha showed resilience with a 42-run knock, while Khushdil Shah was the standout performer, smashing 69 off 49 balls. Shaheen Afridi added 14, and Naseem Shah played a cameo of 13, but the lower order couldn't withstand NZ’s bowling attack.

Matt Henry and William O’Rourke dismantled PAK’s batting lineup, taking 2 and 3 wickets, respectively. Mitchell Santner also contributed with 3 key wickets, ensuring that PAK was bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs, falling short by 60 runs.

With this victory, NZ starts their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on a strong note, while PAK will need to regroup and work on their batting depth before their next match.