In the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, New Zealand cruised to a comfortable victory over Pakistan. The Blackcaps set a formidable target of 321, which Pakistan failed to chase despite a few fighting efforts from their batters.

Pakistan’s chase got off to a poor start with Saud Shakeel dismissed for just 6 off 19 balls. Muhammad Rizwan followed shortly after for 3, falling to a brilliant catch by Glenn Phillips. Babar Azam (64 off 90) and Fakhar Zaman (24 off 41) stabilized the innings with a 47-run partnership, but the dismissal of Fakhar turned the tide in New Zealand’s favor.

Late resistance came from Salman Agha (42 off 28) and Khushdil Shah (69 off 49), but Pakistan’s hopes of a successful chase faded as New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Santner and Will O’Rourke, took crucial wickets, sealing the win.

Earlier, New Zealand had posted a total of 320/5 in their 50 overs, with Will Young leading the charge. He scored a stellar 107 off 113 balls, while Tom Latham’s unbeaten 118 off 104 balls and Glenn Phillips’ explosive 61 off 39 balls helped New Zealand finish strong. Despite early dismissals of Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1), and Daryl Mitchell (10), Young and Latham’s 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket gave their side a solid foundation.

Pakistan’s bowlers, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, took two wickets each but struggled to keep the runs in check, with Rauf conceding 83 runs in his 10 overs.

As a result, New Zealand secured two points and top spot in Group 1, while Pakistan slipped to fourth, trailing Bangladesh and India, who will play their first match on Thursday in Dubai.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group 1 Standings: