Pakistan is in trouble while chasing a daunting target of 321 set by New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

Pakistan's chase got off to a poor start, with Saud Shakeel, filling in as a makeshift opener for Fakhar Zaman, dismissed for just 6 off 19 balls in the fourth over.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar Azam at the crease, but his stay was short-lived. Rizwan was forced to depart after a stunning catch by Glenn Phillips.

Babar Azam was joined by Fakhar Zaman, and together they put together a 47-run partnership, taking Pakistan's total to 69.

Fakhar, who had been dropped on 24 by Devon Conway at deep square leg, failed to capitalize on the reprieve and was dismissed by Michael Bracewell in the very next over, still on 24.

Babar, steady on 35, then partnered with Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan found themselves struggling at 80/3 after 24 overs.

Earlier, Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a solid total of 320/5 in their 50 overs in the opening match of the ICC event, with a pivotal fourth-wicket partnership between Will Young and Tom Latham steering the team to a strong position.

 

Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a solid total of 320/5 in their 50 overs in the opening match of the ICC event, with a pivotal fourth-wicket partnership between Will Young and Tom Latham steering the team to a strong position.

The Blackcaps had a rocky start, losing Devon Conway (10) early when mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed bowled him out on the third delivery of the eighth over. Their situation worsened as Pakistan's pacers, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, struck in quick succession, removing Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10). By the end of seventeenth over, New Zealand found themselves reeling at 77/3.

However, Latham, fresh off a match-winning half-century in last week's tri-nation ODI series final, steadied the ship alongside the in-form Young. The pair built a resilient 118-run stand for the fourth wicket, taking New Zealand to a more comfortable 191/3.

Naseem broke the partnership in the 38th over, dismissing Young for a well-made 107 off 113 balls, which included 12 fours and one six.

Despite the breakthrough, Latham remained unshaken and completed his own century, finishing with an unbeaten 118 off 104 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes.

In the closing overs, Glenn Phillips added crucial runs, smashing a quickfire 61 off just 39 balls, with three fours and four sixes, to help New Zealand reach 320/5.

For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed chipped in with a solitary dismissal.

Early in the day, President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari attended the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the chief guests.

The event also showcased an aerial display by the Pakistan Air Force’s Sherdils team.

Playing XI

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William ORourke.

This year’s tournament see eight teams compete across three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi – as well as in Dubai, UAE, from February 19 to March 9.

This is the first time since the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup that Pakistan is hosting an ICC event, with the final of that tournament held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Ahead of the Champions Trophy, the three Pakistani venues – Gaddafi Stadium, National Stadium, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – have undergone extensive upgrades, offering world-class facilities for players and spectators alike.

The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand, while Group B comprises Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.

Following their opener against New Zealand, Pakistan will face India on 23 February in Dubai and Bangladesh on 27 February in Rawalpindi.

The group stage will see matches played across the four venues: Dubai, Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. The first semi-final will be held on 4 March in Dubai, with the second semi-final scheduled for 5 March at Gaddafi Stadium. If India does not qualify for the final, it will be held in Lahore; otherwise, the final will take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Apart from their 2017 victory, Pakistan has reached the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy three times: in 2000, 2004, and 2009.

Over 12,000 cops deployed for CT 2025

The Punjab Police spokesperson said over 12,000 police officers and personnel will be deployed for security duties in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

The security team will include 18 senior officers, 54 DSPs, 135 inspectors, and 1,200 upper subordinates, along with 10,556 constables and more than 200 female police officers.

In Lahore, over 8,000 officers and personnel will be assigned to secure the matches. This includes 12 senior officers, 39 DSPs, 86 inspectors, and 700 upper subordinates, while 6,673 constables and 129 female constables will perform security and checking duties.

In Rawalpindi, more than 5,000 officers and personnel will be on duty.

The security force will comprise six senior officers, 15 DSPs, 50 inspectors, 500 upper subordinates, 4,000 constables, and over 100 female personnel.

Traffic plan for Karachi matches

According to the Deputy Inspector General Traffic, Sir Shah Suleman Road will remain open during match days, though several roads will be closed to heavy traffic.

Traffic plan issued by Karahi Traffic Police. — Facebook@karachitrafficpoliceofficial

Special parking arrangements have been made for spectators.

Parking areas will be available at the National Coaching Centre, the Expo Centre, and China Ground. Fans arriving from Karsaz will be directed to these parking zones via the flyover route.

Heavy vehicles will be allowed to travel from Sohrab Goth to Nipa, Liaquatabad No 10 to Hassan Square, and PP Chowrangi to University Road. However, access will be restricted from Karsaz to the stadium, Millennium to New Town, and Stadium Signal to Hassan Square.

Traffic authorities are advising spectators to avoid parking on roads or service lanes, urging them to use only the designated parking areas. VIP vehicles and those with special passes will be allowed to park within the stadium.

Public access to the stadium will be via the main gates and gates No 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, and 14, with VIP vehicles entering through gate 8. Vehicles equipped with CNG cylinders will not be permitted inside the stadium.

The gates will open three hours before the match starts, while surrounding roads will remain open for general traffic.

Pakistan's squad for Champions Trophy

Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan.