Pakistan made an impressive start in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, taking two key wickets before the drinks break at the National Stadium in Karachi. New Zealand, batting first after Pakistan opted to bowl, found themselves at 71/2 in 15 overs, with Will Young leading the charge on 48 off 52 balls, while Daryl Mitchell remained on 9 off 19 deliveries.
Pakistan’s first breakthrough came from Abrar Ahmed, who bowled Devon Conway for 10 runs off 17 balls. Abrar delivered a brilliant carrom ball that skidded on and beat Conway’s outside edge, rattling his off-stump. The stadium erupted in cheers as Abrar celebrated in his signature style, giving Pakistan their first major moment in this Champions Trophy opener.
Shortly after, Naseem Shah struck again, dismissing New Zealand captain Kane Williamson for just 1 run. Naseem bowled a superb delivery on a length that angled in and straightened at the last moment, catching Williamson’s outside edge. Mohammad Rizwan dived forward to complete a sharp catch, sending the in-form batter back to the pavilion. Pakistan’s bowlers looked in control, leaving New Zealand under pressure heading into the drinks break.
A major concern for Pakistan, however, remains the injury to Fakhar Zaman, who walked off the field after hurting his knee while fielding on just the second ball of the match. Kamran Ghulam has replaced him, but there has been no official update on Zaman’s condition.
As the match resumes, all eyes will be on New Zealand’s batters to see if they can rebuild after these early setbacks. Pakistan, on the other hand, will aim to capitalize on their strong start and tighten their grip on the contest.