Sports

Champions Trophy: Hosts Pakistan Loose Opening Match Against New Zealand by 60 Runs

Pakistan were all out for 260 runs, while chasing a massive New Zealand total of 320

February 19, 2025: Karachi: Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign opener slipped away after the hosts faced a 60 run loss. The hosts were all out for 260 runs in 47.2 over. All hopes of Pakistan winning were lost after Babar Azam (64 off 90) departed, leaving Pakistan reeling in their chase of 321 runs against New Zealand. Following his dismissal, disappointed fans were seen leaving the stadium.

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Final Score (47.2 Overs):

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🏏 Pakistan - 260 all out (Target: 321)
🔥 Rauf - 19 (9)
🏏 Naseem Shah - 13 (15)
🎯 New Zealand Bowling:
⚡ Will O’Rourke - 3/47 (9)
⚡ Matt Henry - 1/25(7)

Key Moments So Far:

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✅ Babar Azam’s Slow Fifty (81 balls) failed to provide the needed momentum. (PAK 127/4, 30.4 overs)
✅ Mitchell Santner Takes Crucial Wickets: The left-arm spinner removed Babar Azam (64 off 90) and Tayyab Tahir (15), putting Pakistan in deep trouble. (PAK 153/6, 34 overs)
✅ Fans Leave the Stadium: As soon as Babar got out, crowds started exiting the venue, showing their frustration.
✅ Shaheen Afridi Falls for 14: A short ball from Matt Henry resulted in Shaheen edging to the keeper. (PAK 200/7, 41 overs)
✅ Khushdil Shah’s Fight: The all-rounder smashed a six off Glenn Phillips to keep Pakistan in the hunt. (PAK 187/6, 40 overs) till he got out at aquickfire 69 in 49 balls.
✅ New Zealand’s Bowling Discipline: O’Rourke, Santner, Bracewell, and Nathan Smith have consistently bowled tight lines, making scoring difficult.