Wed Feb 19 17:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Opener Ends in Defeat Against New Zealand
**Karachi:** Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign got off to a disastrous start with a defeat against New Zealand in Karachi. Captain Mohammad Rizwan’s decision to win the toss and bowl first proved to be a costly error. A dismal bowling performance, particularly from the pace attack, laid the foundation for Pakistan’s loss.
Harris Rauf, despite taking two wickets, conceded a hefty 82 runs. Naseem Shah also contributed to the poor bowling figures, taking two wickets but giving away 63 runs. Most disappointing was Shaheen Shah Afridi’s performance, who conceded 68 runs in 10 wicketless overs.
While Babar Azam scored a half-century, his slow innings of 52 runs off 90 balls put immense pressure on the team, ultimately contributing to their defeat. The combination of poor bowling and a slow batting performance proved too much for Pakistan to overcome in their opening Champions Trophy match.
First Piper 