Pakistan continues to dominate in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as Haris Rauf struck to remove Daryl Mitchell, leaving New Zealand at 73/3 in 16.2 overs. Pakistan’s spinners had already built pressure on the Kiwi batters post-drinks, making run-scoring difficult, and Rauf capitalized on it by delivering a crucial breakthrough.
Mitchell, who struggled for momentum, fell for 10 off 24 balls, mistiming a pull shot that went straight to Shaheen Afridi at mid-on. Rauf, who had earlier gone wicketless, made a strong comeback with this dismissal, keeping Pakistan in firm control of the game.
New Zealand is yet to find their rhythm, with opener Will Young holding the innings together at 49 off 55 balls. With three wickets down and Pakistan’s bowlers maintaining their grip, the Black Caps need a strong partnership to rebuild and gain momentum. Meanwhile, Pakistan will look to tighten their stranglehold further and push for more wickets.
Match Details:
- Teams:
New Zealand (Playing XI): Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke
Pakistan (Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
- Toss: Pakistan (Bowling)
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Date & Time: February 19, 2025, 2:00 PM Local