The match played at National Bank Stadium, Karachi, saw New Zealand post a formidable total of 320/5, with Pakistan’s bowlers conceding 113 runs in the last 10 overs.

In reply, Pakistan’s batting collapsed, getting bowled out for just 260.

Pakistan will now face arch-rivals India on Sunday in their second match of the tournament.

Earlier, New Zealand posted a formidable 320-5 in their allotted 50 overs, courtesy of brilliant centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham.

Batting first at the National Bank Stadium, the Kiwis posted 320/5 in their allotted 50 overs.

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan struck early as Abrar Ahmed clean-bowled Devon Conway for 10 runs, leaving New Zealand at 39/1.

In the very next over, Naseem Shah dismissed Kane Williamson for just one run, caught behind by captain Mohammad Rizwan.

The Kiwis lost another wicket at 73, with Daryl Mitchell departing for 10 runs, caught by Shaheen Afridi off Haris Rauf’s delivery.

At 73/3, New Zealand seemed in trouble, but Will Young and Tom Latham rebuilt the innings with a crucial 118-run partnership.

Young played a spectacular knock, scoring 107 runs off 112 balls, including one six and 12 fours, before getting dismissed.

Latham, on the other hand, remained unbeaten with an exceptional 115 runs off 103 balls, hitting three sixes and 10 fours.

The finishing touch came from Glenn Phillips, who smashed a quickfire 61 off 38 balls, featuring four sixes and three fours, powering New Zealand past the 300-run mark.

For Pakistan, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah picked up two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed claimed one.

Pakistan’s batting struggles

Chasing 321, Pakistan faced an early blow when Fakhar Zaman sustained an injury while fielding, making him ineligible to bat for the first 20 minutes.

With Fakhar unavailable, Saud Shakeel opened the innings alongside Babar Azam, but Pakistan struggled from the start.

Saud departed after scoring just 6 off 19 balls, followed by captain Mohammad Rizwan, who could only manage 3 runs off 14 balls.

Pakistan’s third wicket fell at 69 runs, when Fakhar Zaman finally came in to bat but scored just 24 off 41 deliveries.

Salman Ali Agha showed some resistance, scoring 42 off 28 balls, but his dismissal put Pakistan under further pressure.

Tayyab Tahir fell cheaply for just 1 run, while Babar Azam, despite scoring a half-century, struggled to accelerate. He was dismissed at 153, scoring 64 off 90 balls at a strike rate of 71.

At 200/7, Shaheen Afridi (14) departed, followed by Khushdil Shah, who put up a late fight, scoring 69 off 49 balls, but by then, the match was already out of reach.

Pakistan’s lower order collapsed, with Haris Rauf (19) and Naseem Shah (13) also getting dismissed, and the team was bowled out for 260 in the 48th over.

New Zealand’s bowling

For New Zealand Mitchell Santner and Will O’Rourke took 3 wickets each, Matt Henry claimed 2 wickets, while Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith picked up one wicket each.

Tom Latham was named Player of the Match for his brilliant unbeaten 118 off 94 balls, which included 10 fours and 3 sixes.

With a strong total of 320/5, Pakistan now faces the challenging task of chasing 321 runs to begin their Champions Trophy campaign on a winning note.

Fakhar Zaman injured

Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury in the first over of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy match against New Zealand in Karachi.**

The incident took place on the third ball of Shaheen Shah Afridi’s opening over, where a wide and full delivery was driven through the covers by Will Young for three runs.

Fakhar rushed to the boundary in pursuit but landed awkwardly while diving, instantly showing signs of discomfort.

He signalled for a replacement before leaving the field, visibly gripping his lower back.

Toss

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl first, bringing in Haris Rauf in place of Faheem Ashraf.

Rizwan emphasized the importance of restricting New Zealand to a low total, stating the team is focused on delivering a strong performance without feeling tournament pressure.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner noted that the Karachi pitch looked good, acknowledging potential dew in the evening.

He confirmed the return of fast bowler Matt Henry, expressing confidence in setting a competitive target against Pakistan.

With New Zealand in a commanding position, Pakistan will need quick breakthroughs to regain control in this high-stakes opening clash.

Opening ceremony

President Asif Ali Zardari attends the opening match as the chief guest.

The opening ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy began with the roar of JF-17 Thunder and F-16 aircraft, with aerial displays by the Pakistan Air Force’s Sherdil team.

The ICC has released an animated promo, featuring the captains of the teams participating in the Champions Trophy. The video showcased animated characters of all the captains, including Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, and highlighted their favourite shots in a unique style.

Mohammad Rizwan is determined and believes that while expectations can be placed on the team, senior players must fulfil their responsibilities.

In the promo’s caption, ICC declared, “The stage is set. The captains are ready.”

On the other hand, New Zealand suffered a significant setback before the event, as their fast bowler, Lockie Ferguson, has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to injury.

The tournament is to run from February 19 till March 9.

The Champions Trophy is a highly regarded tournament featuring the eight highest-ranked teams globally, divided into two groups. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals and finals.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has expressed his hope for a final between Pakistan and England. “I have a rule: I always support the winner. I don’t lose that way. I hope it’s a great Champions Trophy,” he said.

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