Champions Trophy: Kane Williamson Reflects On New Zealand’s Past Encounters With Pakistan

February 18, 2025: New Zealand’s veteran batsman, Kane Williamson, took a nostalgic trip down memory lane ahead of the Champions Trophy opener against Pakistan, recalling a thrilling match-up with the Men in Green. Before the highly anticipated game in Karachi, Williamson shared cherished memories of facing Pakistan in the recent ODI tri-nation series.

Having emerged victorious in both encounters against Pakistan, New Zealand is now geared up to face them in the tournament opener. In an Instagram video posted by the ICC, Williamson reflected on a remarkable moment from the 2023 World Cup, where he pulled off an incredible diving catch to dismiss Pakistan’s opener Abdullah Shafique. Williamson credited his focus and preparation for the catch, admitting, “In the moment, you’re just trying to focus on what’s important.”

The 2023 World Cup clash between New Zealand and Pakistan, played in Bengaluru, was high-pressure, with New Zealand posting a colossal 401/6. Despite a fiery knock from Fakhar Zaman, who scored a scintillating 126*, the match was disrupted by rain, and Pakistan managed a 21-run victory through the DLS method. Reflecting on the rain-affected match, Williamson expressed, “An incredible game that actually… rain-affected, and we ended up getting 400, and then the shortened match, Pakistan chased it down.”

Adding to New Zealand’s recent successes against Pakistan, they triumphed twice in the ODI tri-nation series. Glenn Phillips was the hero in one of the victories, scoring an unbeaten 106 to lead his side to a 78-run win. In the final, New Zealand comfortably chased down Pakistan’s 243 to claim the series title.

With both teams prepping for the Champions Trophy clash, New Zealand will be hoping to carry their recent success into the tournament opener, drawing confidence from past victories against the defending champions.

Disha Rojhe