Pakistan vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 | Match Highlights | PAK vs NZ Full Highlights
In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs
- Fakhar Zaman’s Early Injury: Fakhar Zaman sustained an injury while fielding in the first over, limiting his participation and affecting Pakistan’s batting strategy.
- Centuries by Will Young and Tom Latham: After early setbacks, Young (107) and Latham (118*) formed a pivotal partnership, propelling New Zealand to a formidable total of 320/5.
- Pakistan’s Top-Order Collapse: Early dismissals, including captain Mohammad Rizwan for just three runs, left Pakistan struggling at 22/2 after 10 overs, hindering their chase.
- Effective New Zealand Bowling: Mitchell Santner and Will O’Rourke each secured three wickets, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup and ensuring a comprehensive victory.
Death bowling and Fakhar injury hurt Pakistan, says Rizwan
Pakistan vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign started with a setback as they lost to New Zealand by 60 runs in the Group A opener. Captain Mohammad Rizwan pointed to poor death-over bowling and Fakhar Zaman’s injury as key factors behind the defeat.
At 113/3 midway through their innings, New Zealand capitalized on strong batting performances from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*), propelling them to a commanding total of 320/5. Pakistan struggled to gain momentum, marking a tough start to their title defense in the first global tournament hosted in the country since 1996.
Pakistan’s Setback in Champions Trophy 2025: Fakhar Zaman’s Injury & Death Over Bowling Impact Momentum
In their opening Pakistan vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match, Pakistan was forced to reshuffle their batting order after opener Fakhar Zaman’s injury while fielding. His absence from the field meant Saud Shakeel opened with Babar Azam but could only manage six runs. Fakhar, batting at number four, contributed 24 runs, which wasn’t enough to steady Pakistan’s chase.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed disappointment, saying, “We didn’t expect New Zealand to score 320. We thought they’d reach around 260 after taking early wickets.” Rizwan credited the crucial partnership between Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*) for New Zealand’s total, adding, “We lost momentum twice – once in the death overs and again during the powerplay with the bat.” Rizwan stressed how important it was for Fakhar Zaman to open, especially in a chase above 320, as he is a key player during the powerplay.
With the loss behind them, Pakistan heads to Dubai for their next match against arch-rivals India on Sunday. Rizwan emphasized the team wasn’t burdened by the pressure of defending their title, stating, “We won’t let the past match impact us. The next game is another challenge.”
On the other hand, New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner praised the unexpected 320-plus score, crediting Glenn Phillips’ quick 61 off 39 balls for providing the late boost. “We thought 260-280 was achievable, but with a solid platform and wickets in hand, we exceeded expectations,” Santner said. Reflecting on the match’s turning point, Santner highlighted the excellent performance of their new-ball bowlers in the first 10 overs, adding, “The way they bowled, keeping the pressure on, was outstanding.”
New Zealand will next face Bangladesh on Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the Pakistan vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match
Why did Pakistan lose to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan’s loss was mainly due to Fakhar Zaman’s injury, which forced a batting order change, and poor death-over bowling. New Zealand’s partnership between Will Young and Tom Latham was crucial, pushing them to a total of 320/5, which Pakistan struggled to chase.
How did Fakhar Zaman’s injury affect Pakistan’s performance?
Fakhar Zaman, initially slated to open, was injured while fielding and was unable to bat at his usual position. His absence in the powerplay significantly hampered Pakistan’s chase, especially in a 320-plus target.
What did Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan say about the defeat?
Rizwan acknowledged that while Pakistan took early wickets, they underestimated New Zealand’s potential to reach 320. He pointed to two critical moments where Pakistan lost momentum: in the death overs while bowling and during the powerplay while batting.
What were the key turning points in New Zealand’s innings?
Will Young and Tom Latham’s partnership was the main turning point, building a solid foundation for New Zealand. Their strong performances helped the team reach a total of 320/5, surpassing expectations.
What was New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner’s perspective on the match?
Santner admitted that even he didn’t expect a 300-plus score from New Zealand after their slow start. He praised Glenn Phillips’ quick 61 and highlighted the excellent work of their new-ball bowlers in the first 10 overs.
When is Pakistan’s next match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in a must-win match on Sunday.
What was the outcome of New Zealand’s previous match?
New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the Group A match, starting their ICC Champions Trophy campaign with a strong victory.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ended in a disappointing 60-run loss to New Zealand. Key factors such as Fakhar Zaman’s injury, which forced a reshuffle in Pakistan’s batting order, and ineffective death-over bowling hindered their performance. Despite taking early wickets, Pakistan failed to halt the crucial partnership between Will Young and Tom Latham, which propelled New Zealand to a challenging total of 320/5.
Pakistan now faces a must-win match against arch-rivals India, and while the defeat stings, captain Mohammad Rizwan emphasized the importance of moving on and focusing on the upcoming challenges. For New Zealand, their victory was driven by solid batting performances and strong bowling, setting them up confidently for their next match against Bangladesh. Both teams will look to build on their respective performances as the tournament progresses.