Fakhar Zaman on verge of surpassing Shahid Afridi’s record in Champions Trophy 2025 opener

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman is on the brink of surpassing former captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi’s record for most ODI runs against New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener at the National Bank Cricket Stadium.

Fakhar, who has an impressive record against New Zealand, has accumulated 1,053 runs in ODIs at a strong average and strike rate. He now needs just 26 more runs to surpass Afridi’s tally of 1,078 runs, which would move him into third place on the list of Pakistan's highest ODI run-scorers against New Zealand.

Currently, Inzamam-ul-Haq leads the list with 1,283 runs, followed closely by Saeed Anwar with 1,260 runs. What makes Fakhar’s achievement even more remarkable is that he has played far fewer innings than the others on this elite list, giving him an excellent chance to make history.

Most ODI Runs for Pakistan against New Zealand:

• Inzamam-ul-Haq – 1,283 runs in 42 innings
• Saeed Anwar – 1,260 runs in 32 innings
• Shahid Afridi – 1,078 runs in 35 innings
• Saleem Malik – 1,054 runs in 41 innings
• Fakhar Zaman – 1,053 runs in 19 innings

Meanwhile, in the ongoing match, New Zealand posted a strong total of 320/5 in their 50 overs, largely thanks to a crucial fourth-wicket partnership between Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham. Fakhar Zaman has not come out to bat as an opener because he did not spend the minimum required time on the field. He will be eligible to bat after 20 minutes have passed in the innings.