Wed Feb 19 09:58:09 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan’s Early Injury Blow Mars Champions Trophy Opener Against New Zealand

**Karachi, Pakistan** – Pakistan’s much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign got off to a shaky start in their opening match against New Zealand at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi. Winning the toss and opting to bowl, Pakistan suffered an early setback when opener Fakhar Zaman was injured attempting a diving stop, forcing him to leave the field. The nature of the injury, possibly to his knee or back, remains unclear and represents a significant blow to the home side. Kamran Ghulam replaced Zaman.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s bowlers made early inroads into the New Zealand batting lineup. Abrar Ahmed dismissed Devon Conway, and Naseem Shah quickly followed up by removing Kane Williamson, leaving New Zealand reeling at 40/2. Will Young and Daryl Mitchell were at the crease at the time of reporting.

This match marks Pakistan’s first hosting of an ICC tournament in 29 years. Haris Rauf returned to the Pakistan side after recovering from injury, while New Zealand were without Rachin Ravindra, also due to injury.

**Playing XIs:**

**Pakistan:** Fakhar Zaman (injured), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Ali 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 the outcome still uncertain due to Pakistan’s early injury crisis and New Zealand’s shaky start.

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