Wed Feb 19 10:21:57 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Strikes Early as New Zealand Falters in ICC Champions Trophy Opener

**Karachi, Pakistan** – Pakistan has made a strong start to their ICC Champions Trophy campaign, taking two early wickets against New Zealand in Karachi. After winning the toss and electing to field, Pakistan’s bowlers quickly put pressure on the New Zealand batting lineup.

Abrar Ahmed struck first, trapping Devon Conway lbw. Naseem Shah then dismissed the New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson, for a duck – his first golden duck in a One Day International since 2019. New Zealand slumped to 40/2, with Will Young and Daryl Mitchell at the crease.

Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, confirmed the return of Haris Rauf from injury. New Zealand, meanwhile, is missing Rachin Ravindra due to injury. This is Pakistan’s first hosting of an ICC tournament in 29 years.

The full playing elevens are:

**Pakistan:** Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

**New Zealand:** Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke.

The match continues, with Pakistan looking to build on their early success.

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