Struggle in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Opener
Pakistan is facing a tough challenge while chasing a formidable target of 321 set by New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Wednesday.
Early Wickets Put Pakistan on the Backfoot
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start. Saud Shakeel, who was opening instead of Fakhar Zaman, was dismissed for just 6 off 19 balls in the fourth over.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar Azam at the crease, but his stay was short-lived as Glenn Phillips pulled off a stunning catch to send him back to the pavilion.
At the end of the 13th over, Pakistan stood at 35/2, with Fakhar Zaman now partnering Babar Azam to stabilize the innings.
New Zealand Sets a Formidable Target
Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted 320/5 in 50 overs, courtesy of crucial contributions from Will Young and Tom Latham.
Early Struggles for the Blackcaps
New Zealand had a difficult start as Devon Conway (10) was bowled out by mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed in the 8th over. Their struggles deepened when Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10) fell in quick succession to Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. By the 17th over, New Zealand was reeling at 77/3.
Young and Latham Anchor New Zealand’s Innings
Tom Latham and Will Young built a crucial 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket, stabilizing the innings. Naseem Shah broke the partnership in the 38th over by dismissing Young for 107 off 113 balls, which included 12 fours and a six.
Despite this setback, Latham remained unbeaten with 118 off 104 balls, featuring 10 fours and three sixes. In the final overs, Glenn Phillips smashed 61 off 39 balls, boosting New Zealand’s total to 320/5.
Pakistan’s Bowling Performance
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf were the standout bowlers, picking up two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed secured one wicket.
Grand Opening of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The opening match was graced by President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari as chief guests. The ceremony also featured a spectacular aerial display by the Pakistan Air Force’s Sherdils team.
Tournament Overview: Teams and Venues
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 features eight teams divided into two groups, playing across four venues: Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
Group A
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- India
- New Zealand
Group B
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- England
- South Africa
Pakistan’s Fixtures
- February 19 – vs New Zealand (Karachi)
- February 23 – vs India (Dubai)
- February 27 – vs Bangladesh (Rawalpindi)
The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 in Dubai and March 5 in Lahore, with the final to be held either in Lahore or Dubai.
Security Arrangements for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Over 12,000 police officers have been deployed in Lahore and Rawalpindi to ensure tight security.
Security Details
- Lahore: 8,000 personnel, including 12 senior officers and 129 female constables.
- Rawalpindi: 5,000 personnel, including 6 senior officers and 100 female constables.
Traffic Plan for Karachi Matches
The Karachi Traffic Police has issued a detailed plan to manage match-day congestion.
- Open Routes: Sir Shah Suleman Road will remain open.
- Heavy Traffic Restrictions: Routes from Karsaz, Millennium, and Stadium Signal will be restricted.
- Parking: Designated spots include National Coaching Centre, Expo Centre, and China Ground.
- VIP Entry: Special passes required for Gate 8 access.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan.
FAQs
1. What is Pakistan’s target in the opening match of ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Pakistan needs to chase 321 runs set by New Zealand in their first match at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
2. Who were the key performers for New Zealand in their innings?
Will Young (107), Tom Latham (118), and Glenn Phillips (61)* played crucial roles in taking New Zealand to 320/5.
3. How has Pakistan started their chase?
Pakistan lost early wickets, with Saud Shakeel (6) and Mohammad Rizwan (0) dismissed quickly. At the 13th over, they were at 35/2.
4. What are Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures in the tournament?
Pakistan will face India on February 23 in Dubai and Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.
5. Where will the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final be held?
If India qualifies, the final will be held in Dubai. Otherwise, it will take place in Lahore.
