PAK vs NZ [WATCH]: Abrar Ahmed outfoxes Devon Conway with a incorrect’un in Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 roared to life on February 19 at Karachi’s Nationwide Stadium, the place Pakistan and New Zealand are locking horns in a high-stakes opener. With Pakistan internet hosting an ICC occasion for the primary time since 1996, the strain is on the defending champions to ship. Captain Mohammad Rizwan’s choice to bowl first, banking on dew elements later, set the stage for a dramatic begin. The highlight, nonetheless, belonged to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, whose wizardry dismantled New Zealand’s top-order batter Devon Conway.

Mohammad Rizwan’s dew-driven gamble

Pakistan’s option to discipline first was rooted in technique. Rizwan emphasised exploiting night dew to ease chasing, a plan validated by current matches on the venue. New Zealand’s skipper Mitchell Santner remained unfazed, vowing to put up a aggressive whole. The Black Caps, recent from a tri-series triumph in Pakistan, aimed to leverage their familiarity with Karachi’s batting-friendly pitch. But, Abrar’s arrival within the eighth over turned the tide irreversibly.

Abrar Ahmed’s magical incorrect’un shatters Devon Conway’s stumps

Abrar’s repute as a thriller spinner was on full show when he confronted Devon Conway. Within the 8^th  over, he unleashed his incorrect’un, a supply that skidded straight as a substitute of turning. Conway, anticipating spin, planted his weight on the again foot, solely to observe the ball defy expectations. It jagged off the pitch, sneaking previous his defensive stroke to clatter the off stump. Conway’s 17-ball wrestle ended at 10 runs, leaving New Zealand at 39/1.

Abrar’s response was as theatrical as his supply. Clasping his fingers in a mock-prayer pose, he stared at Conway, nearly mocking the batter’s misinterpret. Teammates swarmed him, electrifying a crowd already buzzing from a pre-match air present. This celebration, a mix of confidence and aptitude, symbolized Pakistan’s aggressive intent.

Right here’s the video:

Additionally WATCH: Fakhar Zaman’s agonizing harm scare mars Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener

Fakhar Zaman’s harm woes

Pakistan’s pleasure was tempered by Fakhar Zaman’s early harm. Whereas chasing a boundary within the first over, the opener pulled his hamstring, collapsing in ache. He exited the sector, changed by Kamran Ghulam, casting doubt on his event participation. The incident underscored the bodily toll of high-octane cricket.

New Zealand’s early collapse: Kane Williamson returns to pavillion

The Kiwis’ woes deepened simply 4 balls later. Naseem Shah, Pakistan’s tempo spearhead, delivered a back-of-length gem that lured Kane Williamson right into a tentative push. The ball nipped away, kissing the sting en path to Rizwan’s gloves. Williamson, New Zealand’s linchpin, trudged again for 1, lowering the guests to 40/2.

Additionally WATCH: Naseem Shah’s pumped up celebration after dismissing Kane Williamson in Champions Trophy 2025