HIGHLIGHTS Pakistan vs New Zealand, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, 1 ODI- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase! The New Zealand team are spreading out in the middle as their skipper Mitchell Santner is leading them. There comes the openers of Pakistan, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, who is opening in place of Fakhar Zaman, who was out of the field due to an injury and is not allowed to open. Matt Henry will start the proceedings for New Zealand. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Now, Pakistan faces the daunting task of chasing 321 under the lights on what remains a good batting surface. With dew likely to play a role, their batters will need to step up against a well-rounded New Zealand bowling attack. Will Pakistan pull off a successful chase, or will New Zealand's bowlers rise to the occasion and secure their first win of the tournament? The stage is set for an electrifying second innings!

Will Young, one of the centurions for New Zealand is up for a quick chat. He says that it means a lot as it was an important moment for him, scoring the century, especially after they lost early wickets but he did well to form partnerships and held up one end. Mentions about the partnerships between him and Tom Latham as it laid the good platform for a good finish which was helped by a good partnership of Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham. Further adds that hitting on the back of a length balls is hard and it is gripping for spinners on this surface. Concludes it by saying that he thinks that it is a pretty good score to defend on this surface.

On the bowling front, Pakistan struggled to contain the flow of runs. Their key pacer Shaheen Afridi went wicketless, unable to make an impact with the new ball. Haris Rauf with his 2 wickets was the pick of the bowlers, while Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with a wicket each. However, with little support from the rest of the attack, New Zealand dominated proceedings with the bat. Pakistan have another issue in hand that Fakhar Zaman wont be able to open the batting due to the on field injury he went through.

Young provided a solid foundation at the top with a well-constructed 107, displaying remarkable composure and stroke play. Latham anchored the innings brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 118, ensuring his team reached a commanding total. However, the real acceleration came in the final phase, thanks to Phillips' explosive 61 off just 39 balls, which propelled New Zealand past the 300-run mark. The duo of Latham and Phillips added 113 runs in the last 10 overs, completely shifting the momentum in their favor.

New Zealand have put up an imposing total of 320/5 in their 50 overs after being asked to bat first by Pakistan. This is their second-highest total in Champions Trophy history, powered by sensational centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham and a blistering cameo from Glenn Phillips.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, A triple to end the innings then! Haris Rauf bangs this one short and on leg, Tom Latham pulls it towards deep square leg. The fielder from deep mid-wicket tries to pick it up but lets it through. However, deep square leg is aware and stops the ball from going to the boundary. Three runs taken. New Zealand finishes on 320/5!

Haris Rauf to Michael Bracewell, Hard length and on leg, Michael Bracewell tries to heave it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards point. The batters crosses for a leg bye.

Michael Bracewell is the next batter for New Zealand.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, OUT! TAKEN! Finally another wicket for Pakistan! Haris Rauf takes pace off, full and on middle. Glenn Phillips looks for the reverse scoop but toe-ends it. The ball loops in the air towards short third where Fakhar Zaman takes a dolly. Phillips walks back for a smashing 61 off 39, and New Zealand are 316/5!

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Another low full toss, angling in, Glenn Phillips jams it out off the toe-end of the bat towards long on and turns around for the second. Salman Agha throws it at the bowler's end where Haris Rauf fails to collect it and Latham makes his ground.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Haris Rauf loses his line and bowls this full but way down the leg side. Glenn Phillips leaves it alone and Mohammad Rizwan dives to his left but only to parry it behind. A wide is given and two byes taken as well.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Powered away! A low full toss, on middle. Glenn Phillips backs away a bit and absolutely thrashes it wide of long off for a boundary.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Slower one, full and angling down the leg as he follows the batter. Tom Latham tries to slog but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls away. A leg bye is taken.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, A good yorker to end the over, on leg, Tom Latham digs it out towards covers for one. 12 runs off the over!

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, A low full toss, outside off, Glenn Phillips reaches out for it and drills it to sweeper covers for one.

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Freebie! A loopy full toss, on middle. Glenn Phillips waits for it and thumps it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Another yorker on middle, slower this time, angling in too. Glenn Phillips jams it out to point for one.

There is a signal from the umpire for a penalty of not completing the overs timely as Pakistan have to call a fielder inside the circle for these final two overs so only four fielders are outside the 30-yards circle now.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, FOUR! That is a terrific shot! Nothing wrong with the delivery, but just class from the batter. Shaheen Afridi nails the yorker, on middle, shaping in. Tom Latham backs away and opens the face of his bat to squeeze it past point for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, FIFTY FOR PHILLIPS! He just loves playing against Pakistan and continues his good form here. Full and on middle, Glenn Phillips drills it to long on for a single.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, A full toss, on off, Tom Latham drills it straight to point. That was there to be put away.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Pitched up and on off, slower too, Tom Latham goes down across to scoop but gets a toe-end towards deep mid-wicket for a brace. A better throw was needed there.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on middle, Glenn Phillips drills it down the ground for a run.

Tom Latham got hit in the helmet as he tried to flick it away. The physio comes out in the middle to check on him. He is looking fine as taking drinks and all. There is a discussion going on between bowler Haris Rauf and the skipper Mohammad Rizwan. Latham ​​​​​​has changed his helmet. Finally, All is well to further continue.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, An off-cutter, on a length and on middle, Tom Latham looks to slog it away but gets a top edge right onto his helmet. The ball goes towards the point as the batters take one. Latham looks a bit out of place but should be fine.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, SIX! Just over! Haris Rauf goes slower, full and on middle, Tom Latham picks it up and swipes it towards deep square leg. Khushdil Shah is standing a few yards inside the ropes and tries to grab it with one hand but the ball sails over him for a six. If he was standing at the ropes, it would have been an easy catch.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Glenn Phillips jams it out through mid-wicket for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, Overpitched and outside off, Glenn Phillips lofts it towards sweeper covers for one. 18 runs off the over!

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, SIX MORE! Glenn Phillips is playing a blinder here! Fuller one and on middle, angling in a bit. Phillips just picks it up and whips it over the deep square leg fence for another biggie.

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, SIX! SMASHED! Shaheen Afridi bangs this one short and on middle. Glenn Phillips gets on top of the bounce and hammers it to the deep mid-wicket fence for flat six.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, HUNDRED FOR LATHAM! A fantastic knock for the Kiwi and he has been a rock for his team. Pitched up and on middle, Tom Latham works it towards long on for a single. He takes off his helmet and raises his bat to soak in all the applause.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Full again and on middle, Tom Latham drives it straight to short covers.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, EDGED AND FOUR! Fuller one and on middle. Tom Latham looks to whip it over mid-wicket but gets a leading edge that flies over short third for a boundary. He moves to 99 now!

Another boundary for New Zealand and Shaheen Afridi is frustrated. Tom Latham moves to 99.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, A low full toss, on middle, Tom Latham clips it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Naseem Shah to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length and on middle, Glenn Phillips heaves it to deep square leg for one.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, Bangs this into the pitch, on off, takes pace off, Tom Latham pulls it through mid-wicket for another run.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, FOUR! Cheeky and effective! Fuller one and on middle. Tom Latham goes down across and scoops it over short fine for a boundary. He moves into the 90s now.

Naseem Shah to Glenn Phillips, Slower bouncer around off, Glenn Phillips swats it through mid-wicket for a run.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, Slower one, on a length and on middle, Tom Latham flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Naseem Shah is back for his final over.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Back of a length and on middle, Glenn Phillips tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. 32 runs in the last 2 overs!

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, SIX! Oh..wow! Haris Rauf misses the yorker and serves this in the slot, on middle. Glenn Phillips once again with a straight bat launches it over the bowler's head for half a dozen more. 250 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND!

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Fullish and around off, Tom Latham backs away and pushes it towards mid off for one.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Pitched up on middle, shaping in, Glenn Phillips drills it to long on for a single.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Full again and on middle, Glenn Phillips clips it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! The floodgates are open now! Fuller one and angling on the pads. Glenn Phillips flicks it away easily past mid on for a boundary.

Haris Rauf comes back into the attack.

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, FOUR! Streay but the all count! Abrar Ahmed fires in a yorker, on off. Tom Latham goes down the sweep again but gets an inside edge that races to the fine leg fence for a boundary. 16 runs off the over!

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, Flatter, full and on middle, Tom Latham reverse sweeps it to short third.

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, FOUR! Put away! Tossed up, full and on the pads again. Tom Latham goes down again and swipes it away nicely to the deep square leg fence for a boundary now. Mohammad Rizwan is not happy with his bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, SIX! BOOM! The lefty goes big now! Flighted, full and down the leg. Tom Latham goes down on one knee and just helps it on its way over the fine leg fence for a bigie.

Abrar Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, Short and around off, Glenn Phillips punches it to long off for a run.

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, Floated, full and on middle, Tom Latham sweeps it a bit uppishly but safely towards deep square leg for a single.

Khushdil Shah to Glenn Phillips, Pushed through quicker, short and angling into leg, Glenn Phillips misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

Khushdil Shah to Glenn Phillips, SIX! BANG! There he goes! Looped up, full and on middle. Glenn Phillips backs away a bit and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Khushdil Shah to Glenn Phillips, Fires one full and on middle, angling in, Glenn Phillips knocks it to the right of the bowler.

Khushdil Shah to Glenn Phillips, Flighted, full and on leg, Glenn Phillips slogs it away wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Khushdil Shah to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up, full and on middle, Glenn Phillips drills it on the bounce to the bowler.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Floated, full and on leg, Tom Latham comes down the track and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, Quicker, full and on middle, turns away, Glenn Phillips knocks it back to the bowler. Just 3 runs off the over. Excellent stuff!

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, Tossed up, full and on leg, Tom Latham goes down and reverse sweeps it through point for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, Short and wide outside off, Glenn Phillips cuts it to deep point for a run.

Abrar Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, Flighted, full and around off, Glenn Phillips drives it to short covers.

Abrar Ahmed to Glenn Phillips, Flatter, short and on off, turns away, Glenn Phillips looks to punch but bunts it into the pitch.

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, Floated, full and down the leg, Tom Latham paddles it to short fine for a single.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Flighted, full and on off, Tom Latham uses his feet and cips it to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Khushdil Shah to Glenn Phillips, Continues to bowl short, on leg, Glenn Phillips nudges it through mid-wicket for one.

Khushdil Shah to Glenn Phillips, Another short delivery around off, Glenn Phillips punches it to covers.

Khushdil Shah to Glenn Phillips, Drags his length back, on middle, angling in, Glenn Phillips flicks it towards deep square leg and races back for the second run. Excellent running!

Khushdil Shah to Glenn Phillips, Quicker, shortish and outside off, skids through, Glenn Phillips tries to cut but misses.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Floated, short and on off, Tom Latham tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

POWERPLAY 3! Now, Pakistan can have five fielders outside the ring circle and New Zealand are above 200 after 40 overs. They will want to maximize these last ten overs to take the score close or over 300. Can Pakistan stop them?

Naseem Shah to Glenn Phillips, Good length around middle, Phillips clips it to mid-wicket.

Naseem Shah to Glenn Phillips, Back of a length and outside off, Phillips makes room, opens the bat face, and punches it towards deep point for a couple of runs.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, On the pads from a good length. Tom Latham flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, Hits the length just outside off. Tom Latham drives the ball uppish to mid off.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, SIX! FLICK OF A WRIST! Naseem Shah pitches the ball up on the legs of Tom Latham with pace. Tom Latham takes the front foot and flicks the ball up and over deep square leg for a massive six just by the use of his wrists.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, BEATEN! Pitches the ball up outside the off stump line. Tom Latham looks to drive the ball but misses.

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, From around the wicket. Keeps it fuller and around the off stump. Phillips comes forward and drives it to short extra cover.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Good length and outside off, Tom Latham pushes it to sweeper cover for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, WIDE! Short of a length, well over the head of Latham. Latham ducks under it.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Good length outside off, Tom Latham pushes it away from the body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Afridi goes fuller this time, around middle, Latham flicks it towards short mid wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, Back of a length around the leg stump. Phillips clips it to square leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, WIDE! Wayward outside the leg stump line. Wide called!

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, From over the wicket. On a good length on the fourth stump line. Latham comes forward and guides it to deep third man for a single.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, Short and wide. Tom Latham tucks it away to sweeper covers for a run.

Naseem Shah to Glenn Phillips, Nagging length at the batter. Glenn Phillips flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single to get off the mark.

Naseem Shah to Glenn Phillips, Touch fuller on off. Glenn Phillips taps it to covers.

Naseem Shah to Glenn Phillips, Hits the good length on top of the off stump. Glenn Phillips blocks it off the front foot.

Glenn Phillips is the next man in.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, OUT! CAUGHT! PAKISTAN BREAK THE PARTNERSHIP! Will Young's big knock comes to an end! Naseem Shah gets his man in the end but not before a marathon innings from the right-handed opener! Length ball on the off stump. angling back into the batter. Will Young goes for a wild slog and times it well but high in the air. The substitute fielder Faheem Ashraf runs in from deep mid-wicket to his right and grabs the catch with both hands. Will Young walks back for a well-made 107 (113) and New Zealand are now 191/4.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, FOUR! SLAPPED! Over the wicket. Back of a length just outside the off stump. Young backs away and thrashes it between extra cover and deep cover for a cracking boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Pitches the ball up on the off stump line. Tom Latham looks to play the on drive but gets a leading edge that falls short of covers.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Pitches the ball up outside the off stump. Tom Latham taps the ball to covers off the front foot.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Drops the ball short at the batter with pace. Tom Latham looks to pull the ball but misses.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Nagging length on top of the stumps. Tom Latham blocks it off the front foot.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Drops the length back outside off, and rolls his fingers across the ball. Tom Latham is beaten by pace and the ball goes back to Mohammad Rizwan on the bounce.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, FOUR! SHOT! Glorious from Tom Latham! Shaheen Afridi pitches the ball up on the off stump from over the wicket angle. Tom Latham takes the front foot out and drives the ball into the covers gap to pick up a boundary all along the carpet. What a shot!

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, On a hard length on the body, Latham turns it around the corner in the short fine leg region for one.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, Nagging length on top of the stumps. Will Young flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Hits the length on top of the leg stump line. Tom Latham chips the ball up over mid on, off the front foot. Babar Azam puts in a good chase and stops the ball from going away to the boundary. Tom Latham picks up three runs and gets to a well-deserved FIFTY. Raises his bat to his team with joy.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, WIDE! Wayward outside the leg stump line this time. Wide called by the umpire.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Tom Latham on 49, picks up the good length early and taps it down towards covers off the front foot.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, Drops the length back outside off. Will Young drops the ball down to the left of point and runs a single.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, LEG BYE! Nagging length on top of the leg stump. Tom Latham wears it on the thigh pads and runs a single from square leg.

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, A googly outside off, Latham pushes it through point to pick up a single and retain the strike for the next over.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, On a nagging length outside off, Young punches it to sweeper in the off side for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Tossed up full down leg, Young sweeps it but finds short fine leg.

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, Shorter in length on the stumps, Latham hangs back and flicks it past mid-wicket for a single. The 100-run partnership comes up between Tom Latham and Will Young!

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Tossed up fuller on the off stump. Will Young gets down on a knee and sweeps the ball to deep square leg for a single. raises his bat to the crowd and his team as he becomes the person to score the first Hundred in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 4th batter from New Zealand to score a HUNDRED in the Champions Trophy history.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Just short outside off. Will Young taps it straight to the point. Still on 99!

Finally. Haris Rauf completes his over after pulling up in his follow through three times in a row. FYI, Fakhar Zaman is back on the field and is looking good so far after that leg injury.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Swings the ball into the left-hander from a good length on the stumps. Tom Latham flicks the ball to the right of fine leg and runs a quick couple to end the over.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, FOUR! PULLED AWAY! Another bouncer from Haris Rauf at the batter with pace and Tom Latham pulls the ball well, probably waiting for it, and gets a boundary from fine leg.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Nagging length on top of off. Tom Latham drops it down from the crease.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Short stuff again from Haris Rauf and Tom Latham manages to block it off from the crease.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, DROPPED! Another good bumper at the batter and Tom Latham pulls it uppish, towards mid-wicket. The fielder Salman Agha jumps up and manages to get a good hand to it, but does not hang on to the ball.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, WIDE! DRAMA! Another good bumper across the batter from around the wicket angle. Tom Latham looks to pull the ball but the ball goes past very close to the gloves. The ball goes back to Mohammad Rizwan and he goes up for a caught behind appeal. The umpire says not out and signals wide. Mohammad Rizwan takes a review. The UltraEdge shows no glove involved and Pakistan lose a review.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, A sharp bouncer by Rauf comes into the body, and Latham ducks under it.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Much fuller on the off stump. Will Young drives it well but straight back to the bowler. Stays on 99! End of the over.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Floats the ball up slow on the stumps. Will Young blocks it off the front foot.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Nagging length on off. Will Young punches it well but straight to covers.

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, Short and wide, cut away to sweeper covers for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Pitches the ball up on the stumps. Will Young looks to play a sweep shot but the ball hits his glove, goes over the keeper Mohammad Rizwan and runs down the fine leg fence. Haris Rauf puts in a good chase to stop the boundary but the batters run three. Moves onto 99 with that, Will Young.

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, Fuller on the off stump. Tom Latham drives it to long on for a single.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, FOUR! INNOVATION AT IT'S BEST! Haris Rauf pitches the ball outside off, on a good length. Will Young plays it very late and the ball catches the bottom edge of the bat. The ball runs away to the third man fence beating the flying Mohammad Rizwan. Will Young moves onto 96 with that.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Hits the good length hard outside off. Tom Latham taps it to sweeper covers for a run.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Drops the ball short from around the wicket. Tom Latham picks it up early and pulls the ball infront of deep square leg for a quick couple.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Nagging length on the off stump. Tom Latham blocks it off the front foot.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, Bowls on a good length once again. Will Young nudges it to third man and runs a single.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, Hits the length hard on top of the off stump line. Will Young blocks it off the front foot.

Drinks! New Zealand are steadying the ship well on this partnership between Will Young and Tom Latham. They will want to keep going without losing any more wickets as far as they can so that they can get a good score of over 300. Will Young is nearing his hundred and he has held-up one end quite nicely. Pakistan picked up three wickets up front but this partnership has troubled them and they just need a couple of wickets to back into the game. An interesting passage of play is ahead of us. Haris Rauf is back into the attack.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Touch fuller on off. Will Young drives the ball to long off for one to end the over. Moves onto 91 with that single.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Tosses the ball up outside the off stump and gets a good turn into the batter. Will Young goes for a sweep and wears the ball high on the body. Appeal for LBW but the umpire says no.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Touch fuller on off. Will Young drives it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, Touch fuller on the off stump line. Tom Latham plays the paddle sweep to deep square leg for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Tom Latham, Floats the ball up on off. Tom Latham taps it down to mid-wicket.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Tosses the ball up on off. Will Young sweeps it to deep square leg for one.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, FOUR! And again! Tossed up, full and on middle. Tom Latham goes down on one knee and nails another sweep past square leg for four more runs.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Slows it up, short and on off, Tom Latham stabs it out on the pitch.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Floated, full and on off, Tom Latham knocks it back to the bowler.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, FOUR! Nicely played! Flighted, full and on middle. Tom Latham goes down and rolls his arms nicely to play the sweep to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Short again and on middle, Tom Latham pats it to short mid-wicket.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, Short and around off, Will Young punches it through covers for a single.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, Fuller again and on leg, Tom Latham tucks it nicely through mid-wicket for a brace.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, An appeal for run out, and it has been sent upstairs! Overpitched and on middle, Will Young drills it towards mid on and sets off for the run. The fielder hits the stumps at the bowler's end but the replay shows that Young is safe.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, Pitched up and on middle, Tom Latham knocks it wide of mid off for another run.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Good length and on off, Will Young pats it wide of backward point for a quick run.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, FOUR! Up and over! Naseem Shah serves this a bit too full, on off. Will Young presents the full face of the bat and lofts it over mid off for a lovely boundary.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, Short of a length and on middle, Tom Latham pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Flatter, full and on middle, Tom Latham works it to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Shorter in length again, on leg, Tom Latham flicks it to square leg.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, Quicker, short and around off, Will Young slaps it through covers for one.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Flighted, full and on middle, Tom Latham clips it through mid-wicket for another run.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, Short and outside off Will Young punches it to sweeper covers for a run.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Tossed up, full and on middle, Tom Latham knocks it to the left of the bowler. Khushdil Shah dives to that side but parries it away allowing a single.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, FOUR! Excellent shot! Naseem Shah goes fuller and on middle, angling into the pads. Will Young clips it away with sublime timing. The outfield does the rest as the ball races to the deep square leg fence for a boundary. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Good length and on middle, sticks to the surface a bit. Will Young looks to flick but gets a leading edge along the ground towards the bowler.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, Touch fuller and on middle, Tom Latham guides it to third man for a single.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, Hard length and on the fifth stump line, Tom Latham has no room to work with and pats it to point. Good bowling from Naseem Shah!

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, Back of a length and on off, Tom Latham dabs it to point.

Naseem Shah to Tom Latham, Fuller and on off, angling away, Tom Latham taps it to short covers.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, Quicker, full and on leg, Tom Latham works it to long on for one.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, Flatter, full and on middle, Tom Latham steers it to point.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, Flighted, full and on off, Tom Latham drives it past covers and comes back for the second run quite comfortably.

Salman Agha to Will Young, Floated, full and on middle, Will Young eases it to long on for another run.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, Tossed up, full and on middle, Tom Latham sweeps it to deep square leg for a run.

Salman Agha to Will Young, Short and around off, Will Young move back and swats it on the bounce to wide long on for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Back of a length and on off, Will Young dabs it through point for one.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Good length and on middle, Will Young stays back and blocks it out.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Short of a length and on off, Tom Latham pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Fuller and on off, shaping in, Tom Latham knocks it to mid on.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Length again and around off, Will Young guides it to third man for a single. Nelson on the board.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, On a length and on middle, Will Young pats it to short mid-wicket.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, Looped up, full and on middle, Tom Latham keeps it out to the off side.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, Flatter, full and on middle, Tom Latham knocks it back to the bowler.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, Slows it up, full and on off, Tom Latham pushes it to short covers.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, FOUR! Good shot! Flighted, full and on middle, angling in. Tom Latham goes down and executes the sweep to perfection to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Salman Agha to Will Young, Floated, full and on off, Will Young reverse sweeps it without much timing towards short third for a run.

Salman Agha to Will Young, Tossed up, full and on middle, Will Young tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Overpitched and on middle, Will Young flicks it to deep square leg for one.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Pitched up and on off, Will Young drives it to short covers.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, FOUR! Nice shot! Shaheen Afridi serves this full again and on middle, shaping in. Will Young brings his wrists into play and flicks it beautifully through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Tries the yorker, on middle, swings in a bit too much, Tom Latham clips it through mid-wicket for a run. 100 UP FOR THE KIWIS!

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Back of a length and on off, Will Young dabs it past point for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, On a length and on middle, angling in and keeps a bit low, Will Young adjusts well to block it out.

Salman Agha to Will Young, Goes short and around off, Will Young moves back and punches it through covers for one.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, Flighted, full and on middle, Tom Latham eases it to long off for another run.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, Quicker, full and on off, Tom Latham drills it to short covers.

Salman Agha to Will Young, Floated, full and on off, Will Young taps it towards backward point for a run.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, Flatter, full and on off, Tom Latham drives it to long off for a single.

Salman Agha to Tom Latham, Tossed up, full and on off, Tom Latham steers it to point.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Touch fuller and on middle, angling in, Will Young tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Hard length and on off, nips back in a bit, Will Young looks to run it down to third man but chops it on to the off side.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Good length and on middle, Will Young fends it with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Back of a length and outside off, Tom Latham guides it to point for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Full again and around off, Tom Latham pushes it straight to short covers.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Fuller and on off, shaping in, Tom Latham blocks it down the pitch.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Fuller again, around middle, Latham lunges and flicks it to long on for a single.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Floated up, around off, Latham comes forward and blocks it out back to the bowler.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, Drags his length, around off, Young cuts it wide of cover for a single.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, FOUR! INNOVATIVE AND CHEEKY! Khushdil Shah gives air to the ball and keeps it fuller, around off, Will Young lunges and sweeps it towards deep fine leg for a boundary.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Tossed up, around middle, Latham flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, A bit slower and follows the batter, around leg, Tom Latham shimmies down the track and looks to flick it but misses and wears it on the front pad.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, Goes fuller this time, and outside off, Will Young strides forward and drives it wide of cover for a couple of runs.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, Good comeback by Haris Rauf! Hard length, and outside off, gets the ball to move away, Will Young looks to cut it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, FOUR! PUNISHED! Haris is bowling on the same length again and again, back of a length, around off, Will Young is quick enough to go on the back foot and pulls it hard along the ground towards deep square leg for a boundary. There is no chance for the fielder in deep to even touch that ball. SHEER POWER!

Haris Rauf to Will Young, On a good length, around middle, Young covers the line and drops it down back to the bowler.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, BEATEN! Short of a length, well outside off, Will Young opens the face of the bat and looks to guide it towards deep third but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, Back of a length, on the fourth stump, Young presses forward and dabs it towards point.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, Nagging length, around middle, Young stays on the back foot and pushes it towards square leg for a single.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, A bit quicker and around the pads, Will Young goes on the back foot and looks to flick it but gets it through the inner half of the bat towards square leg.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, Nagging length, around off, Young steers it to extra cover off the front foot.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Floated up, around off, Latham comes forward and pushes it to long on for a single.

Khushdil Shah to Tom Latham, Tossed up, around middle, Latham defends it.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, COULD HAVE BEEN CHOPPED ON! Khushdil drops it short, slower through the air, around middle, Will Young clears out his front leg and looks to play it to the off side but gets a thick inside edge as the ball zips past the leg stump. They run for a single as the ball rolls away towards short fine leg.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, GETS HIS FIFTY WITH THIS SINGLE DOES WILL YOUNG! Back of a length, around middle, Young clips it wide of square leg for a single to complete his milestone! He gets a chance to play as Rachin Ravindra got injured and he has proved his worth as he has held up one end quite nicely and will want to make it big.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, A tight single! On a good length, on the fourth stump, Latham taps it wide of cover point and runs off for a quick single.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Goes fuller but on the pads, easy for Tom Latham as he transfers his weight to the front foot and uses his wrists to flick it wide of square leg for a couple of runs to get off the mark.

Haris Rauf to Tom Latham, Back of a length, just outside off, Tom Latham hops up and gets on the top of the bounce to drop it down towards point.

Tom Latham is the next batter in for New Zealand.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! CAUGHT! HARIS RAUF BREAKS THE GROWING PARTNERSHIP! Daryl Mitchell will be livid with himself for playing this shot! He goes back for 10 (24). Haris comes in from over the wicket and bowls on the back of a length, around middle, Daryl Mitchell presses back and looks to pull it down the ground. He wants to play that tennis ball kind of shot but the ball gets big on him. He only manages to get it hit straight to the mid on fielder where Shaheen Afridi makes no mistake as he comes forward and takes it with reverse cup at low height. Pakistan are 73/3.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length, on the fourth stump, Daryl Mitchell moves across and hops up a bit to drop it down towards mid-wicket.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, Fuller again, around middle, Young lunges and blocks it out back to the bowler. Just 2 off it.

Khushdil Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Floated up, around off, Mitchell drives it to deep cover for a single.

Khushdil Shah to Daryl Mitchell, BEATEN! Tossed up, slower through the air this time, turns away, Daryl Mitchell comes forward to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge big time. Mohammad Rizwan collects the ball and dislodges the bails but Mitchell is well inside of the crease.

Khushdil Shah to Daryl Mitchell, On a nagging length, just outside off, turns away after pitching, Daryl Mitchell looks to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, Keeps it shorter again, around off, Young steers it to deep cover for a single.

Khushdil Shah to Will Young, Drops it short, outside off, Young rocks back and cuts it hard but straight to the backward point fielder.

Drinks! After losing the two wickets, New Zealand are trying to rebuild through Will Young and Daryl Mitchell. They will want to extend this partnership and put pressure on the hosts in the middle overs. Pakistan will be hoping to pick up a few more wickets in this phase because their death bowling has been a bit expensive in the last few games. Also, Khushdil Shah to bowl after the break.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, On a good length, around off and middle, angling in, Will Young nudges it to deep square leg for a single.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, Haris serves it full, around off, Young flicks it to mid on and wants to have a quick single but is sent back by Daryl Mitchell.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Hard length, around middle, seaming in, Daryl Mitchell lets the ball come to him and then tickles it towards deep fine leg for an easy single.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, Goes fuller and on the pads, too easy for Young as he lunges and flicks it towards deep square leg for a single.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, On a good length, just outside off, Young dabs it to backward point.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, JAFFA! Hard length, in the channel, a hint of outswing, Will Young opens the face of the bat off late and looks to guide it towards point but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Goes fuller, around middle, Young extends his arms and drives it to long off for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Nagging length, around middle, Young clips it to mid-wicket.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, BEATEN! Floated up, turns away, around off, Will Young comes forward to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge. Mohammad Rizwan also dislodges the bails behind the stumps but no harm done!

Abrar Ahmed to Daryl Mitchell, Keeps it shorter and outside off this time, Mitchell stays back and steers it to deep cover for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Drags his length, around middle, Young goes back and turns it wide of mid-wicket for a single to rotate the strike.

Abrar Ahmed to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up, around off, Mitchell reaches out with a long stride and drives it to long off for a single.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, Nagging length, around off, Young defends it to cover.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, On a good length, around leg, follows the batter, Daryl Mitchell makes room and chips it towards mid on for a quick single.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, On a good length, around off, Mitchell comes forward and shows the full face of the bat to defend it back to the bowler.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, WIDE! Sprays down the leg side, slightly fuller, and seaming in, Daryl Mitchell looks to flick it but misses. Called a wide.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length, around middle, Mitchell presses back and drops it down to mid-wicket.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, On a good length, around middle, Young nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Haris Rauf to Will Young, SIX! GREETS WITH THE FIRST MAXIMUM OF THE MATCH AND CHAMPIONS TROPHY! Haris bangs in short of a length, around middle, at a comfortable height, Will Young transfers his weight to the back foot and looks to pull it but it takes the top edge and goes over the ropes at deep backward square leg for a biggie.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Floated up, around off, Young comes forward and looks to defend it but gets it through the inner half of the bat towards square leg for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, FOUR! OFF THE EDGE! A bit quicker ball, around middle and leg, Will Young rocks back and looks to flick it but gets an inside edge as the ball races away to the boundary at deep fine leg.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Drops it short, around off, Will Young goes on the back foot and blocks it out.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, A shout of catch from Rizwan! Tossed up, around off and middle, Will Young comes forward and flicks it aerially to the right of the bowler but is drops just ahead of the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Drags his length, and changes the line to the off stump, Will Young comes forward and defends it.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Arm ball, around middle, a bit quick, Young keeps it down towards mid-wicket off the front foot.

Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, On a good length, around middle, Daryl Mitchell hops up and tucks it off his hips towards square leg for a couple of runs.

Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Hard length, around middle, coming in with the angle, Daryl Mitchell sits under it as the ball goes over him. Mitchell was asking for the wide from the umpire but it was going over the leg stump.

Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Naseen is bowling beautifully here in the channel! Back of a length, outside off, gets the ball to nip in, Daryl Mitchell ducks under it.

Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, With a short leg, Naseem bangs in short of a length, around middle, comes in with the angle, Daryl Mitchell goes for the pull shot but the ball gets big on him and he gets cramped up for room. The ball goes past the outside edge of the bat to the keeper. There is an appeal for caught behind by Naseem and Rizwan asks him to take a review but they aren't going upstairs in the end.

Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length, outside off, stays a touch low, Daryl Mitchell shoulders his arms.

Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, On a good length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell is standing well ahead of the crease as he moves across further and defends it to the pitch.

Powerplay 2! Pakistan can now have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over. New Zealand started well, but the hosts have fought back nicely with two quick wickets.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Much fuller on the off stump line. Will Young blocks it off the front foot.

Abrar Ahmed to Daryl Mitchell, Pitches the ball up on the leg stumps. Daryl Mitchell flicks it to the left of Shaheen Afridi at square leg and runs a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Daryl Mitchell, Nagging length on top of the stumps. Daryl Mitchell stays on the front foot and taps it down.

Abrar Ahmed to Daryl Mitchell, Tossed up on off. Daryl Mitchell blocks it off the front foot.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Nagging length on the off stump. Will Young drives the ball to the right of covers and runs a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller on the off stump. Daryl Mitchell drives the ball to long off for one.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, FOUR! A GIFT! Naseem Shah bowls a half volley on the leg stump with pace. Will Young stays on the crease and flicks the ball up and over square leg for a superb boundary to end the over. Not a good finish for Naseem Shah after bowling a superb over.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, BEATEN! Lovely delivery from a good length outside off. Will Young looks to poke at it form the crease and the ball zips past the outside edge of the bat.

Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Another short ball on top of the off stump. Daryl Mitchell walks in and flicks the ball to deep square leg for one.

Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A good bumper at the batter with pace. Daryl Mitchell stays back and drops the ball down on the crease.

Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Pitches the ball up on the off stump line. Daryl Mitchell walks in and taps it back to the bowler. Naseem Shah gives the batter a wild stare at the follow-through.

Daryl Mitchell comes out to the middle now.

Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! MASSIVE BLOW FOR NEW ZEALAND! Kane Williamson walks back into the hut for just 1 (2). Naseem Shah gets the big fish! Pakistan are running away with control inside the powerplay! Beautiful length just outside the off stump and gets the ball to nip away. Kane Williamson looks to drop the ball on the crease but only manages a faint outside edge back to the wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan does not make a mistake. Naseem Shah runs away with the wicket and New Zealand are 40/2 now.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Much fuller on the off stump. Will Young blocks it off the front foot towards mid-wicket.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Nagging length outside off. Will Young slices it straight to point.

Abrar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Much fuller on the off stump. Kane Williamson drives the ball to long off for a single to get off the mark straight away.

Kane Williamson walks out to bat at number 3.

Abrar Ahmed to Devon Conway, OUT! TIMBER! BIG WICKET FOR PAKISTAN! Abrar Ahmed gets rid of Devon Conway on 10 (17). Bowls a carrom ball on a nagging length on the middle stump line from over the wicket angle. The left-hander gets back in the crease and looks to block the ball. The ball nips away from the batter after pitching and zips past the outside edge of the bat. It goes on to hit the top of the off stump. Pakistan is up with joy! New Zealand are 39/1 now.

Abrar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Nagging length on off. Devon Conway taps it down towards covers.

Abrar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Pitches the ball up on the off stump line. Devon Conway blocks it off the front foot.

Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, LEG BYE! Nagging length with a bit of movement into the batter on top of the stumps. Devon Conway wears it high on the thigh pads and the ball drops on the crease. The batters run a quick single.

Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Hits the good length on the off stump line. Devon Conway takes a foot out and drops the ball down.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Hits the length on the off stump. Will Young drops it towards point and runs a quicks single.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, FOUR! PACE OFF! Naseem Shah takes pace off and pitches the ball up outside the off stump line. Will Young takes the front foot out and plays it up and over covers for a superb boundary. Timed to perfection!

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Nagging length outside off. Will Young drops the ball towards point.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Pitches the ball up on the off stump. Will Young drives the ball back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Nagging length on the leg stump. Devon Conway blocks it off the front foot to end the over.

Abrar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Pitches it up on off. Devon Conway offers a good front foot defence.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Much fuller on the off stump line. Will Young drives it to long off for one.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Nagging length on off. Will Young drops it down on the crease.

Abrar Ahmed to Will Young, Fuller on off. Will Young drives it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Much fuller on the off stump. Devon Conway drives the ball back and hits the stumps on the bowler's end. The batters run a single off the ricochet.

Abrar Ahmed to Devon Conway, WIDE! Starts off wayward outside the leg stump. Wide called by the umpire.

It is spin time now. Abrar Ahmed comes into the attack now.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, FOUR! ENDS THE OVER WELL! Shot of the day so far from Will Young! Shaheen Afridi provides a little bit of width outside the off stump line and Will Young catches onto it well. Takes the front foot out and times the ball behind point for a beautiful boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Just short on the stumps. Will Young flicks the ball to the left of mid-wicket and denies the single. Good work at mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Good length delivery angling across Young who presses forward and defends it to covers.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Drops the ball short on the stumps. Will Young flicks the ball to the right of mid-wicket and runs a quick couple.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Pitches it further up on the off stump. Will Young blocks it off the front foot.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Bowls on a good length on top of the off stump. Will Young stands tall on the crease and drops the ball down.

Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Hits the good length on off. Devon Conway watchfully taps it straight to point to end the over.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Pitches the ball up outside the off stump line. Will Young works it down to third man and runs a single.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Much fuller on the off stump. Will Young drives it back to Naseem Shah.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Hits the deck hard on top of the stumps. Will Young drops the ball back at the bowler.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Nagging length on the stumps. Will Young tucks it to the right of mid-wicket and runs a couple.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Will Young gets a gift from Naseem Shah to pick up his first boundary of the innings. Naseem Shah strays down the leg side, fuller with just 3 fielders on the leg side. Will Young flicks the ball fine and gets a boundary to his name at deep fine leg.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Pitches the ball up on the off stump. Will Young taps the ball short of mid on and runs a quicks single to end the over. Excellent running between the wickets.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Short and wide outside off. Devon Conway tucks it to sweeper covers for one.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, FOUR! IN THE GAP! Devon Conway gets his second boundary of the innings. Shaheen Afridi drops the length back at the batter from over the wicket angle. Devon Conway stands still and pulls the ball fine enough to get it in the fine leg gap for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Pitches the ball up on the off stump and gets the ball to go straight with the arm. Will Young looks to flick the ball but adjusts it in the end, getting a thick leading edge that goes between covers and point. Another good chase to the boundary line that allows the batters to pick up three runs.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Holds the length back on off. Young stays back and taps it down.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Good length delivery on the off stump line. Will Young walks in and drops the ball towards mid on.

Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Drops the length back and gets the ball to move away from the left-hander. Devon Conway looks to play it but misses the ball.

Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, FOUR! FIRST BOUNDARY OF THE CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025! Naseem Shah pitches the ball up on the off stump and gets the ball to swing into the left-hander from over the wicket angle. Devon Conway looks to drive the ball off the front foot and gets the inside half of the bat that takes the ball into the gap between mid-wicket and square leg. The timing is still good enough to take the ball away to the fence.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Touch fuller on the off stump. Will Young walks in and flicks the ball towards mid on for a quick single.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Hits the good length outside off again. Will Young sees it through.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, BEATEN! That is a superb delivery from Naseem Shah as he drops the length back just outside off and gets the ball to swing away. Will Young looks to feel for it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Smiles all around the bat.

Naseem Shah to Will Young, Swings the ball away from the right-hander from outside off. Will Young sees it through to Mohammad Rizwan.

Naseem Shah takes the new ball from the other end.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Drops the length back on top of the stumps. Devon Conway stays back and drops the ball down on the crease to end the first over of the innings. New Zealand are 3/0.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Pitches the ball up on the off stump line. Devon Conway blocks it off well towards covers.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Runs in hard from over the wicket and pitches the ball on a good length on off. The ball nips back into the left-hander. Devon Conway is caught on the crease and gets a hit high up on the thigh pads. Huge appeal from the Pakistan players but the umpire is unmoved.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Drops the ball short outside off to the left-hander. Devon Conway stays back and punches the ball well but straight to point.

Oh..No. Fakhar Zaman is off the field as he is holding his right leg. He seems to be in a lot of pain as he landed awkwardly in stopping the ball. Pakistan can't afford to have this kind of injury right away in the match and Kamran Ghulam is brought up as his substitute. Hope, he will be okay for his batting.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Pitches this much fuller outside the off stump line from over the wicket angle. Will Young plays a beautiful cover drive in the gap and starts running. Fakhar Zaman makes a good run behind the ball and manages to pull it back. Might have hurt himself in the process. The batters run three runs.

Shaheen Afridi to Will Young, Starts off over the wicket and hits the perfect length on top of the off stump. Will Young takes a good front foot out and taps it down. The Champions Trophy has begun!

All in readiness now! Adding to the already electrifying atmosphere, an air show is underway, with jets soaring through the sky in formation, leaving behind trails in Pakistan’s national colors. The players are already out in the middle. Will Young and Devon Conway are the two openers of New Zealand. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are moments away from the start of the Champions Trophy 2025. However, before we get going, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be New Zealand's first followed by the national anthem of Pakistan.

PITCH REPORT - Bazid Khan and Matthew Hayden is pitchside. They say that the pitch is dry but good for batting. Adds that you need to score 300 or more to defend. Mentions that there are some dry patches but also a bit of grass. Says that there is a nice breeze blowing and it is a good weather for the players. Ends by saying that the straight hit is 79m and the bowlers will need to protect the square boundaries.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledges the presence of dew, which could make batting easier later, but emphasizes the need for his team to bat well upfront. He highlights the valuable experience of playing with new faces in the squad and believes the team is well-prepared. Having faced their opponents frequently in both home and away conditions, Santner stresses the importance of assessing the conditions in Karachi and using them to their advantage.

Mohammad Rizwan, the skipper of Pakistan, says that they have seen in the last couple of matches that the dew comes later on so they want to utilize that. Adds that if they will think more of kinda playing with a tag of defending champions then it will put more pressure on them so they are just keeping it simple and aren’t thinking too much. Mentions that the Tri-series helped them prepare for this big tournament as they did everything there from bowling first to batting first. Further adds that he doesn’t want to repeat the mistakes of that final and informs that Haris Rauf is fully fit and he will replace Faheem Ashraf in the team.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Mohammad Rizwan and Pakistan have elected to BOWL first.

History favours New Zealand in the Champions Trophy, as they have won all three previous meetings against Pakistan in this tournament’s history. However, playing at home comes with both advantages and pressures for Pakistan, who will be desperate to reverse that record. The pitch is expected to be batting-friendly, but an early movement for pacers could make the first few overs tricky. With dew likely to play a role in the evening, chasing might be the preferred option for the team winning the toss. The weather forecast looks clear, setting the stage for an exciting tournament opener. Don’t go anywhere as the toss and playing XI aren’t far away!

New Zealand, on the other hand, look well-balanced and in solid form. Kane Williamson has been in exceptional touch, leading from the front in batting up-front with consistency in the Tri-series. Alongside him, the likes of Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell add stability and experience to their batting unit. The Kiwis also have a promising young pacer in Will O’Rourke, whose express pace and extra bounce make him a serious threat, especially under Karachi’s lights. Bowling remains one of their strongest assets, with Mitchell Santner leading the spin attack, a department where he has been among the best in white-ball cricket. Rachin Ravindra’s inclusion remains uncertain after sustaining a forehead injury, but New Zealand have solid replacements ready if needed.

Pakistan's squad has firepower, but a few concerns linger. Fakhar Zaman is in sublime form, and the team will rely heavily on his aggressive stroke play at the top where he will want to replicate his performance as he did in the final of the Champions Trophy 2017. Babar Azam’s recent form has been patchy, but as a player known for delivering on the big stage, Pakistan will hope that he can find his rhythm in this crucial opener. With Saim Ayub ruled out due to injury, Babar and Fakhar will open the innings. Bowling remains Pakistan’s strong suit, but Haris Rauf’s availability is uncertain due to a side strain. If he doesn’t play, they might play out the same XI that played in the Tri-series final. The experience of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will be crucial in leading the pace attack, while lone premier spinner Abrar Ahmed will play a key role in the middle overs.

The National Stadium in Karachi is all set to host a high-voltage clash which is the first match of Champions Trophy 2025 between Pakistan and New Zealand. Hello and welcome all of you, as the crowd is filling up in more numbers to support the defending champions and co-hosts, Pakistan, who will be eager to kickstart their campaign on a winning note, but New Zealand will be brimming with confidence, having recently defeated them in the final of the Tri-series. With both teams placed in Group A, every match holds immense significance, as a single slip-up could make the road to the playoffs tougher and get out of the tournament. New Zealand have dominated Pakistan in recent encounters, winning three of their last five games, including both clashes earlier this month. Pakistan, however, will be looking to turn the tide, especially in home conditions.

... MATCH DAY ...

A hush falls over the fans. For eight long years, the world has waited, and now, the moment is finally upon us. The ICC Champions Trophy is back! This year's tournament is more than just a contest, it's like a homecoming. It returns to Pakistan, the land of passionate fans and the proud home of the defending champions, marking a momentous occasion with them hosting an ICC tournament since 1996. But the story doesn't end there. Adding to the global excitement and some touch of geopolitics as well, the vibrant city of Dubai joins the party as co-host, ready to welcome some exciting matches, including those exclusively featuring the cricketing powerhouse, India. With the main World Cup still a couple of years away, this Champions Trophy serves as the perfect prelude, igniting the cricketing spirit and keeping the energy of the sport at a fever pitch. Across four iconic venues - Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Dubai - eight elite teams will clash, across two groups of four teams each, with their eyes on the ultimate prize. However, the venue for the finale is yet to be decided. For the staters then, the National Stadium of Karachi is all in readiness to host the curtain raiser as hosts and the defending champions Pakistan take on the challenging New Zealand side. Both teams recently clashed in a Triangular Series that also included South Africa which was won by the Kiwis by defeating the hosts in the finale. Pakistan has done decently in the limited overs formats since a year or two, but at home. Babar Azam is expected to open with Fakhar Zaman, due to Saim Ayub’s injury. While Saud Shakeel and captain Mohammad Rizwan are expected to be the middle order maestros with Salman Agha providing that depth. Rizwan and Salman are probably Pakistan’s best middle order batters right now, further evidenced by their record-breaking partnership against South Africa which led them to the tri-series finale. Also, the biggest thing to watch out for is Babar Azam's form, as the right-handed batter has just two fifty-plus scores to show in the last ten innings. The bowling narrative tells a different tale. The once-feared pace arsenal of Shaheen-Rauf-Naseem seeks its lethal edge again, while a thin spin department rests heavily on Abrar Ahmed's shoulders as the only frontline turner. Yet Pakistan's recent ODI conquests across Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa signal their big-match temperament remains intact. New Zealand's cricket story blends proven pedigree with fresh firepower. The 2000 Champions Trophy winners arrive with Mitchell Santner at the helm, backed by unmatched recent experience in Pakistani conditions - 11 ODIs since 2019. While injury forces Ben Sears out, the pace department gains fresh energy through Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith who join the established seamer, Matt Henry with Will O’Rourke as another highly touted pacer in the mix. Lockie Ferguson's injury came in as a huge blow for the Kiwis and now they have named Kyle Jamieson as the replacement. Their velocity and variety offer captain Mitchell Santner multiple weapons against the subcontinental batters. At the heart of their campaign stands Kane Williamson – the only player linking back to their 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy campaigns. His experience proves invaluable, especially with Daryl Mitchell's clutch performances fortifying the middle order. The big-match specialist has shown an uncanny ability to rise when the stakes soar. The spin department emerges as New Zealand's hidden ace. Skipper Santner, armed with years of subcontinent experience, leads a crafty trio completed by Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips whose batting stints are not hidden from the world. Their recent tri-series triumph on Pakistani soil surely has inflated their motivation manifolds. For the 2000 Champions Trophy winners, their journey since their 2009 finals appearance has been a story of near-misses. New Zealand has maintained an unblemished 3-0 record against Pakistan so far. And also, their record in Karachi is a dominant one, winning five out of nine matches played. Now, as they prepare to face Pakistan's might in Karachi, can they crack the subcontinental code at the bigger stage? Or will Pakistan show their muscle this time around? The curtain-raiser promises pure cricket theatre.