New Zealand New Zealand Cricket handed the host nation a 60‑run drubbing on February 19, 2025, at the National Stadium, Karachi. The match, the curtain‑raiser of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, saw the visitors post 320/5 while Pakistan skittered to 260 all out, instantly reshaping the tournament narrative. For Pakistani fans, the defeat was more than a scoreline; it sparked early doubts about their campaign, whereas the Kiwis walked away with confidence and crucial points.
Match Overview
The opening encounter of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off under clear skies, though the exact local start time was omitted from the live feed. New Zealand elected to bat first, capitalising on a flat pitch that offered minimal assistance to bowlers. They amassed 320 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted 50 overs, translating to a healthy run rate of 6.40. Pakistan, in reply, could not sustain the chase, bowing out for 260 runs in 47.2 overs.
Batting Masterclass by New Zealand
Top‑order aggression came from Will Young, who blazed 107 off 113 balls, peppering the innings with 12 fours and a six before falling to a catch by substitute Faheem Ashraf and the bowling of Naseem Shah. The real show‑stopper, however, was keeper‑batsman Tom Latham. Unbeaten on 118 off 104 deliveries, Latham cranked 10 fours and three sixes, pushing the run rate past 9 in the death overs.
Supporting fireworks came from Glenn Phillips, who blasted 61 off just 39 balls at a blistering strike rate of 156.41, and a brisk cameo from Michael Bracewell, who, despite a duck, contributed a crucial single in the final over.
Pakistan's Response
Pakistan’s chase began steadily but fragmented after the loss of early wickets. The pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf claimed two wickets each, with both seasoned bowlers extracting just enough bounce to keep the New Zealand batsmen in check. Unfortunately, the Pakistani batting line‑up lacked a standout innings; the highest score hovered around the mid‑30s, and the run‑rate dipped below 5.50 after the 30‑over mark.
Key dismissals included Kane Williamson (caught by Mohammad Rizwan off Naseem Shah) and Daryl Mitchell (caught by Fakhar Zaman off Haris Rauf). The New Zealand bowlers also made their mark, with Naseem Shah finishing with figures of 2/45.
Reactions and Expert Take
Post‑match, John Wright, former New Zealand coach, praised the disciplined batting, saying, “Latham’s innings set the tone. They knew the target was huge and never looked back.” On the Pakistani side, former skipper Misbah-ul-Haq warned, “We cannot afford another start like this. The margin shows we need to rethink our top order.”
Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle noted, “The pitch favoured the bat early on, but New Zealand’s ability to accelerate in the final ten overs was decisive. Pakistan’s middle order simply couldn’t keep pace.”
Implications for the Rest of the Tournament
The victory catapults New Zealand onto the top of Group A with a perfect 2 points, while Pakistan now faces a must‑win scenario against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on February 20, 2025. According to the tournament schedule released by the International Cricket Council, the next match will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
For the hosts, the loss is a psychological blow. Their fans, who swarmed the Karachi venue in droves, left feeling a mix of disappointment and hope that the team can rebound quickly. The win, meanwhile, bolsters New Zealand’s confidence heading into the group stage, where they will face the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka.
Historical Context
New Zealand’s triumph in Karachi echoes their surprise victory over India in the 2019 World Cup, where a similar batting onslaught turned the tide. Pakistan, on the other hand, last suffered a comparable opening‑match loss at home during the 2017 Champions Trophy, which subsequently saw them exit early from the tournament. The pattern suggests that a strong start is often a predictor of deep runs in ICC events.
Key Facts
- Date: February 19, 2025
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Result: New Zealand 320/5 (50 overs) vs Pakistan 260 (47.2 overs) – New Zealand win by 60 runs
- Top scorer: Tom Latham – 118* (104 balls)
- Man of the Match: Tom Latham
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Pakistan’s chances in the Champions Trophy?
The loss leaves Pakistan with zero points after the opening game, meaning they must win both remaining group matches – against the United Arab Emirates on February 20 and Sri Lanka on February 23 – to have any realistic shot at the knockout stage. Historically, a defeat in the opener has often led to early exits for the side.
Who stood out for New Zealand and why?
Wicket‑keeper batter Tom Latham was the star, scoring an unbeaten 118 with a strike rate above 110, anchoring the innings after early wickets fell. His partnership with Glenn Phillips, who hit a rapid 61, shifted the momentum decisively.
What does the pitch condition tell us about future games?
The Karachi surface was batting‑friendly, offering little seam or turn. However, the upcoming match in Dubai is expected to be slower, favouring spin. Teams will need to adapt their line‑ups accordingly, especially Pakistan, who rely heavily on fast bowlers.
Which players made an impact with the ball?
New Zealand’s pace attack was led by Naseem Shah, who claimed two wickets, while Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi each took two for Pakistan, limiting the hosts’ chase but not enough to pull off a comeback.
When and where is the next Champions Trophy match?
The second group match takes place on February 20, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, featuring Pakistan versus the United Arab Emirates.