Wed Feb 19 17:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Suffers Shocking Defeat Against New Zealand in Champions Trophy Opener
**Lahore, Pakistan:** Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign got off to a disastrous start with a humiliating 60-run loss to New Zealand in their opening match. New Zealand, batting first, posted a challenging 320/5 in their 50 overs thanks to centuries from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*). Glenn Phillips also contributed a quickfire 61.
Pakistan’s top order crumbled under pressure, failing to match New Zealand’s aggressive batting. Babar Azam (64), Mohammad Rizwan (3), and Saud Shakeel (6) all underperformed. While Khushdil Shah (69) and Salman Agha (42) provided some late resistance, it was too little too late. Pakistan were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
New Zealand’s bowlers were equally impressive. William O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner each took three wickets, restricting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities. This victory marks New Zealand’s third win over Pakistan in less than two weeks, following two wins in a recent triangular series. The defeat leaves Pakistan facing an uphill battle to reach the semi-finals.
First Piper 