Picture : X / BLACKCAPS
Even while playing in front of their home crowd could not lift Pakistan team’s spirits as they went down to a all- round New Zealand by 60 runs in the opening encounter of 2025 Champions Trophy in Karachi.
Expecting due while batting later in the evening, Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to field first. And straight away the Kiwis put Pakistan under pressure as the Kiwi batsmen rotated the strike and hit the bad balls to the boundary . Devon Conway (10) and former Skipper Kane Williamson fell for ( 1) . But Young opener Will Young anchored the innings well and scored a fine attacking 107 ( 113 balls, 12 fours, 1 six), It was his fourth ODI hundred . Daryl Mitchell , a dangerous bat fell quickly for ( 10).
But wicket- Keeper Tom Latham did not let the opportunity to score big as he smashed a power packed 118 . And unbeaten one too coming of 104 balls, 10 fours and three sixes. Big- hitting or rather muscular Glenn Phillips gave the Kiwi innings the power finish hitting blazing 39 ball 61 ( 3 fours, 4 sixes). The Phillips blitz helped New Zealand reach a formidable 320/ 5 in their 5 overs.
ODI century number 8 for Tom Latham! The unbeaten 118 also contributed to two century partnerships – a 118-run fourth-wicket partnership with Will Young (107) and a 125-run fifth-wicket partnership with Glenn Phillips (61*). Scores | https://t.co/0pC37HtJtv 📲 #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/ewbDg987tC
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 19, 2025
Pakistan bowling : Shaheen Afridi 0/ 68 ( 10 overs) , Naseem Shah 2/ 63 ( 10 overs) , Abrar Ahmed 1/ 47 ( 10 overs) , Haris Rauf 2/ 83 ( 10 overs) , Khushdil Shah 0/ 40 ( 7 overs) , Salman Agha 0/ 15 ( 3 overs)
In reply, Pakistan got off to a slow start. Not to be blamed as Kiwi bowling was on the spot and backed by sharp fielding and placements by Skipper Mitchell Santner. There was nor room whatsoever for Pak batsmen to fee their arms. They were choked literally Just 22 in first 10 overs chasing 321 told the story. Pak lost opener Saud Shakeel early for ( 6) , Skipper Mohammad Rizwan out to a sensational one left hand airborne catch by Glenn Philips for ( 3), Pak were on the back- foot.
Injured Fakhar Zaman struggled during his stay ( 24). Salman Agha tried to speed up proceedings with his 28 ball 42 ( 6 fours, 1 six) . Tayyab Tahir ( 1) , Former Skipper Babar Azam hung around and played a rather slow innings and was hence trolled brutally as that hurt the chase 64 ( 90 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) . Khushdil Shah gave something to cheer with a quick 49 ball 69 ( 10 fours, 1 six) . But the chase was bit too much against the Kiwis. Shaheen Afridi ( 14), Naeem Shah ( 13), Haris Rauf ( 19) . Abrar Ahmed remained not out as Pakistan were bowled out for 260/ 10 in 47. 2 overs. New Zealand winning by 60 runs
New Zealand bowling Figures : Big fellow William ORourke ben t his back to bag 3/ 47 ( 9 overs), Matt Henry 2/25 ( 7.2 overs) , Michael Bracewell 1/ 38 ( 10 overs) , Glenn Phillips 0/ 63 ( 9 overs) , Skipper Mitchell Santner 3/ 66 ( 10 overs) , Nathan Smith 1/ 20 ( 2 overs)
Match: Champions Trophy, 1st Match
Venue: Karachi | Date: Feb 19, 2025
