The Darkish horses aka New Zealand (NZ) emerged as snug victors over Pakistan (PAK) within the curtain-raiser of the Champions Trophy 2025, profitable the sport by 60 runs on the Nationwide Stadium, in Karachi.
A constructive begin by the vacationers confronted a short hindrance after the dismissal of Devon Conway and Kane Williamson inside a brief span of time. Nonetheless, a few tons from Will Younger and Tom Latham and a quickfire 61 by Glenn Phillps led New Zealand to 320/5 of their quota. Abrar Ahmed was essentially the most economical bowler, ending up with figures of 1/47.
In reply, Pakistan began off too slowly with their batting in the course of the powerplay section. They solely scored 22 runs, dropping two wickets within the course of. This severely put them behind within the sport. Babar Azam’s half-century and Salman Agha’s brisk 42 was not sufficient. Khushdil Shah top-scored with 69 and saved the Kiwi fielders on their toes. He registered a career-best ODI rating of 69. Nonetheless, it was not meant to be for the house aspect.
Speaking Factors from Match 1 of Champions Trophy 2025:
1. Will Younger revives ODI type with splendid ton
Younger was going by way of a lean patch within the buildup of the event. Nonetheless, he turned his fortunes with a scintillating ton which comprised 12 fours and a most. This was his first ODI ton in abroad circumstances.
2. Pakistan’s loss of life bowling woes proceed
Regardless of proscribing the Black Caps effectively by the 40-over mark, the Pakistani unit misplaced the plot within the last 10 overs of the innings. Along with some superlative power-hitting, the pacers missed their lengths method too usually to get smacked for 113 runs.
3. Michael Bracewell’s brilliance information beneath the radar
The off-spinning all-rounder put in one more economical shift with the ball. Bracewell restricted the batters commendably effectively, one thing he has been doing persistently for the previous many video games. He ended up conceding solely 38 runs in his 10-over quota.
Additionally Verify: Twitter Reactions: Younger, Latham centuries flattens Pakistan as New Zealand win in Champions Trophy opener
Who Mentioned What?
Shedding skipper, Mohammed Rizwan
They made a superb goal, we did not count on that. We have been one thing round 260. We tried our greatest and used all ways, however they performed effectively and put up a superb goal. We see the pitch circumstances, earlier the pitch wasn’t simple to bat however when Will Younger and Latham bought collectively batted it bought simpler. On the finish, we made the identical mistake like we did in Lahore they usually made a superb goal. We did not get a superb begin with the bat. (On the extent of harm to Fakhar Zaman) Unsure but, he hasn’t bought his consequence but. He’s in some ache. We misplaced the momentum twice – as soon as whereas bowling within the loss of life after which whereas batting within the powerplay. It’s disappointing for us, we performed it like a traditional match. The match is gone now and hopefully we are able to do higher in the remainder.
Successful skipper, Mitchell Santner
Happy with the way in which we went about it. Pakistan bowled effectively, so within the center stage when Latham and Younger may construct a partnership that was nice, they scored just a few boundaries as effectively. After which GP got here out and smashed it round. We have been targetting round 260, however glad we may get extra within the loss of life overs. After the rating we bought, we have been sensible within the first 10 overs, after which we may put the squeeze in, hold that run fee stress on them and get wickets. (On the Phillips catch) We sort of count on that from him now, and getting Rizwan out was a large wicket. (On the significance of the earlier tri-series) Understanding the circumstances and the opposition was essential. You need to hit a barely shorter size out right here and for spinners, it’s about bowling slower. This win exhibits if we are able to do the onerous yards with the bat, then we are able to keep it up with the ball and put the squeeze on the opposition.
Participant of the Match, Tom Latham
Yeah, definitely helps while you performed on a floor earlier than. Felt good to contribute, Will Younger performed exceptionally after which to get to 320 was simply sensible. After I got here in, it was about constructing a partnership. We may do this after which enhance the run fee, after which GP got here in and performed an distinctive hand as soon as once more. Gave us the momentum to get by way of to the second innings. On the again finish, you need to get as many as you’ll be able to. Glad we may at present. There was an absence of dew at present so the ball turned fairly a bit, it was higher to bowl second with circumstances like that.
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