Pakistan vs New Zealand: Match Summary & Highlights – ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Introduction
The much-anticipated clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 lived up to expectations, delivering thrilling cricket action. Held at National Stadium, Karachi, this opening encounter set the tone for the tournament. New Zealand dominated the match, securing a 60-run victory over Pakistan.
In this post, we will break down the match highlights, key performances, stats, and what this result means for both teams moving forward.
Match Summary: Pakistan vs New Zealand – 19th February 2025
| Match Details | Pakistan vs New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Champions Trophy 2025 |
| Venue | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Date | February 19, 2025 |
| Result | New Zealand won by 60 runs |
| Man of the Match | Tom Latham (118* runs) |
New Zealand, opting to bat first, put up a massive total of 320/5, thanks to brilliant centuries from Will Young (107) and *Tom Latham (118)**. In response, Pakistan struggled against New Zealand’s bowling attack, getting all out for 260 runs despite Khushdil Shah’s 55-run effort.
Key Performances & Match Highlights
New Zealand Batting Performance
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Young | 107 | 92 | 9/3 |
| Tom Latham | 118* | 98 | 10/2 |
| Glenn Phillips | 38 | 25 | 5/1 |
New Zealand got off to a solid start, with Devon Conway and Will Young building a strong foundation. Latham’s explosive knock in the final overs ensured a daunting total for Pakistan.
Pakistan Bowling Performance
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Runs Given |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | 10 | 2 | 60 |
| Haris Rauf | 10 | 1 | 72 |
| Mohammad Wasim Jr. | 9 | 1 | 58 |
Pakistan’s bowling unit struggled to contain New Zealand’s batters, with the pace attack failing to make early breakthroughs.
Pakistan Batting Performance
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khushdil Shah | 55 | 47 | 5/2 |
| Babar Azam | 40 | 39 | 6/0 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 35 | 28 | 4/1 |
Despite a steady start by Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan lost wickets at crucial moments. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack did not allow any partnership to flourish.
New Zealand Bowling Performance
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Runs Given |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trent Boult | 10 | 3 | 54 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 9 | 2 | 48 |
| Ish Sodhi | 8 | 2 | 42 |
New Zealand’s bowlers executed their plans effectively, using variations and tight lengths to choke Pakistan’s run chase. Trent Boult’s early strikes set the tone for New Zealand’s victory.
What This Result Means for Pakistan and New Zealand
- New Zealand starts the tournament with two crucial points, gaining confidence for upcoming matches.
- Pakistan now faces pressure to win their remaining group-stage matches to stay in contention for the semi-finals.
- Batting depth and middle-order stability remain a concern for Pakistan moving forward.
Upcoming Matches & Predictions
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 22nd Feb 2025 | Pakistan vs England | Lahore |
| 23rd Feb 2025 | New Zealand vs South Africa | Karachi |
Pakistan must bounce back against England, while New Zealand looks to continue their winning momentum against South Africa.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s clinical performance handed Pakistan a 60-run defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener. Tom Latham’s unbeaten 118 and Boult’s fiery bowling spell* proved decisive. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies and aim for a semi-final spot.
Stay tuned for more match updates, predictions, and analysis!
References & Sources
- ESPN Cricinfo – Pakistan vs New Zealand Match Report
- Cricbuzz – Pak vs NZ 2025 Match Highlights
- ICC Official Site – Tournament Standings
