New Zealand Defeat Pakistan by 60 Runs in Opening Match of 2025 Champions Tro phy in Karachi
The atmosphere in Karachi was filled with both excitement and tension as Pakistan and New Zealand faced off in the highly anticipated opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy. The return of international cricket to Pakistan, after nearly three decades, was a historic moment for the country, especially after the long hiatus caused by security concerns. While the cricketing world celebrated the tournament's return to Pakistan, memories of the 2009 Lahore attacks
still lingered in the minds of many, adding an extra layer of vigilance during the match. As the match unfolded, New Zealand showed their dominance right from the start. Their openers, Tom Latham and Will Young, delivered crucial partnerships and kept the pressure on Pakistan throughout the innings. Latham’s century was a masterclass in controlled aggression, and his partnership with Young set the stage for a commanding total. Despite a few hiccups early on, with Devon Conway and Kane Williamson falling cheaply, New Zealand’s resilience in the middle overs proved decisive. The acceleration in the final stages, with Glenn Phillips adding vital runs, allowed them to post a competitive score.
Pakistan, on the other hand, struggled to get any momentum in their chase. Babar Azam's cautious approach and Fakhar Zaman's injury further complicated matters. Fakhar's inability to run effectively disrupted Pakistan's ability to push for boundaries, leaving their batting lineup frustrated. The spinners from New Zealand kept the Pakistani batters under control, and Pakistan’s chase quickly lost steam as wickets fell at regular intervals. Despite a valiant effort from Salman Ali Agha, who briefly injected some energy into the innings, Pakistan's chase was always a step behind. Their batting lineup, once considered a force in world cricket, looked off-balance against the Kiwis' disciplined bowling attack. The loss by 60 runs left Pakistan with much to ponder as they now face a challenging road ahead in the tournament.
For New Zealand, the victory not only boosted their chances of clinching the Champions Trophy but also reaffirmed their status as one of the most consistent teams in ODI cricket. With their record intact in Pakistan, they are poised to make a serious run at the title, showcasing their depth and composure in tough conditions. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to improve and adapt, but the opening match undoubtedly set the tone for what promises to be an exciting Champions Trophy.
Tensions Rise as Fighter Jets Disrupt Champions Trophy Match; Shaheen Afridi and Rizwan Clash on Field
The opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi was marked by an unexpected moment of tension, both off and on the field. As fighter jets flew over the stadium, the loud noise startled the players and the crowd. Devon Conway, the New Zealand opener, ducked for cover before realizing what had 
caused the disturbance. The deafening sound left a section of the crowd visibly frightened, with some covering their ears and others holding their chests in distress. Commentators noted the anxiety among the fans, with one Hindi broadcaster stating, “They all got scared because of the loud noise of the jets.”
In response to concerns over security, Pakistan has taken significant measures to ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans during the Champions Trophy. Over 12,000 police personnel have been deployed across Lahore and Rawalpindi, including senior officers, inspectors, constables, and female officers. Furthermore, nine special charter flights have been arranged to bring fans to the matches. The match saw New Zealand put up a strong performance, with Tom Latham and Will Young both scoring centuries and Glenn Phillips contributing with a blistering fifty. Their combined efforts helped New Zealand post a challenging total of 320/5, leaving Pakistan’s bowlers struggling for answers. The growing partnership between Latham and Phillips was crucial in the Kiwis’ strong finish, and Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan's frustration was evident as he visibly scolded his bowlers for their lack of control.
In an incident during the 47th over, as New Zealand was cruising at 265/4, Rizwan was seen chastising Shaheen Shah Afridi after a delivery from the left-arm pacer beat Latham but resulted in an edge that flew for a boundary. Despite the delivery being a good one, Rizwan seemed unsatisfied and directed his frustration at Shaheen. However, Afridi was quick to respond, refusing to accept any blame for the situation. The exchange between the two players highlighted rising tensions on the field as Pakistan’s efforts to stop New Zealand’s charge faltered. This confrontation between Rizwan and Afridi added an extra layer of drama to an already intense match. With New Zealand setting a daunting target, Pakistan’s chase was further hampered by early wickets and a lack of momentum. The defeat by 60 runs left the Men in Green with much to reflect on as they look ahead to their next matches in the tournament.
