Karachi: The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener between Pakistan and New Zealand is underway at the National Stadium, Karachi. New Zealand openers Devon Conway and Will Young started cautiously against Pakistan’s pace attack, with Shaheen Afridi delivering the first over.
However, Pakistan faced an early injury setback as Fakhar Zaman hurt himself while fielding in the second delivery of the match and had to leave the field. Despite a steady start, New Zealand suffered their first blow at 39/1 (7.3 overs) when spinner Abrar Ahmed dismissed Conway for 10 with a deceptive delivery.
Just an over later, Pakistan struck again as Naseem Shah removed Kane Williamson for 1, with Mohammad Rizwan taking a sharp catch behind the stumps. New Zealand reached 50/2 in 11 overs, struggling to build momentum. The Kiwis now need a strong third-wicket partnership to stabilize their innings.
With Pakistan’s bowlers in control, the match promises an exciting contest as the defending champions look to dominate early.
