By Mehul - Feb 20, 2025 12:00 AM
New Zealand dominated Pakistan with a comprehensive 60-run victory in the opening game of the Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi on Wednesday. Batting first, the Blackcaps posted a formidable 320/5 in 50 overs, thanks to brilliant centuries from Tom Latham (118*) and Will Young (107), while Glenn Phillips smashed a quickfire 61 off 39 balls to power the total beyond 300.
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision initially seemed effective as New Zealand were struggling at 73/3, but a 118-run stand between Young and Latham shifted the momentum. Despite some disciplined bowling, Naseem Shah was Pakistan’s standout performer, returning figures of 2/63.
Chasing 321, Pakistan endured a sluggish start, managing only 22 runs for 2 wickets in the first 10 overs. While Babar Azam scored 64 off 90 balls, his slow approach put pressure on the middle order. Khushdil Shah (69) and Salman Agha (42) showed some resistance with aggressive knocks, but it wasn’t enough. William O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner led New Zealand’s bowling attack, picking up three wickets each, sealing a dominant win for the visitors.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a sluggish start as they struggled at **22/2 in the first 10 overs**, putting immense pressure on the middle order. **Babar Azam scored a cautious 64 off 90 balls**, anchoring the innings but failing to accelerate when required. His slow strike rate increased the required run rate, making things difficult for the batters to follow.
While Babar’s innings provided some stability, it lacked the intent needed in a high-pressure chase. Despite his experience, the inability to rotate strike and find boundaries at crucial moments made the task tougher for Pakistan. His dismissal further dented the home team’s chances, forcing the lower middle order to take undue risks.
This is an absolutely insane catch from Glenn Phillips ??
— JayRad (@jayrad198900) February 19, 2025
Not many in the entire history of the game could pull this off! pic.twitter.com/TOnBUditEE
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