Thu Feb 20 01:46:51 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Stumbles in Champions Trophy Opener, Losing to New Zealand by 60 Runs
**Karachi, Pakistan** – Pakistan suffered a disappointing start to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, losing their opening match against New Zealand by 60 runs at the National Cricket Stadium in Karachi. Despite winning the toss and electing to bowl, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled against New Zealand’s spinners on a reportedly batting-friendly pitch.
New Zealand, after a shaky start losing three early wickets (Conway, Williamson, and Mitchell), posted a challenging 321/5 in their 50 overs. Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118) anchored a crucial partnership, and Glenn Phillips added a powerful 118 off 104 balls. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf took two wickets each for Pakistan.
In response, Pakistan’s innings never truly recovered from a poor start. While Babar Azam (64) scored a half-century and Salman Agha (42) and Khushdil Shah (69) contributed later in the innings, the team ultimately fell short, bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs. William O’Rourke and captain Mitchell Santner claimed three wickets apiece for New Zealand, while Matt Henry took two.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan noted Haris Rauf’s return to fitness after injury, while New Zealand missed Rachin Ravindra due to injury. This is Pakistan’s first hosting of an ICC tournament in 29 years.
First Piper 