Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan sets unwanted record in against New Zealand

Pakistan registered an unwanted record during the opening match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a challenging target of 321 to begin their campaign with a win, Pakistan’s top-order was put under pressure by New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack. By the end of the first 10 overs, Pakistan had only managed to score 22 runs for the loss of two wickets, marking their lowest-ever total in an ODI powerplay at home.

The record for Pakistan's lowest powerplay score also came against New Zealand in 2018, during a match with field restrictions, where they managed to score just nine runs.

As the match progressed, Pakistan reached 175/6 in 37 overs, with Babar Azam being the leading run-scorer, having made 64 runs.

Earlier, New Zealand, after being put into bat first, piled up a massive total of 320/5 in their allotted 50 overs, led by solid centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham.

Latham top-scored for New Zealand with an unbeaten 118 runs off 104 balls, which included 10 fours and three sixes. Young contributed 107 runs off 113 balls, with 12 fours and a six. The two shared a crucial 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket, helping New Zealand recover from 73/3 in 16.2 overs.

Glenn Phillips also played an important role in the latter part of the innings, scoring a quickfire 61 off 39 balls, including three fours and four sixes, to push New Zealand to their commanding total.

For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf picked up two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed chipped in with one dismissal.