Wed Feb 19 11:11:32 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Triumphs in Champions Trophy Opener Against New Zealand
**Karachi, Pakistan** – Pakistan kicked off the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a commanding victory over New Zealand in a thrilling match at the National Stadium in Karachi. After winning the toss and electing to field, Pakistan’s bowlers quickly asserted dominance, dismantling New Zealand’s top order.
Early setbacks for New Zealand included the loss of Devon Conway (clean bowled by Abrar Ahmed) and Kane Williamson (caught by Mohammad Rizwan off Naseem Shah), leaving the Kiwis reeling at 40/2. While Will Young managed a fighting fifty (his 11th in ODIs), Pakistan continued to chip away at the New Zealand batting lineup, with Haris Rauf claiming the crucial wicket of Daryl Mitchell. New Zealand’s final score remained under wraps at the time of writing.
Pakistan’s victory is made even more significant by the tournament’s return after an eight-year hiatus and its staging in Pakistan for the first time since 1996. The match was also marked by an injury scare for Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, who appeared to pull a hamstring in the first over.
New Zealand arrived in Pakistan without key pacers Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson due to injury, with Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson named as replacements. The absence of Rachin Ravindra, who is recovering from a forehead injury, also hung over the match.
The atmosphere in Karachi was electric, fueled by anticipation for the return of the Champions Trophy and a highly anticipated Pakistan Air Force air show, “Sher Dil,” planned for the opening ceremony. President Asif Ali Zardari was also in attendance as the chief guest.
Despite the early injury concern for Pakistan, their bowlers and the overall team performance delivered a resounding win in this highly anticipated clash. The tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle with many more matches to come.
First Piper 