Karachi — The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicked off with New Zealand claiming victory over Pakistan by 60 runs, highlighting both their cricketing prowess and the early setback suffered by the hosts due to star player Fakhar Zaman's injury.
New Zealand set the tone with impressive batting, scoring 320 runs for the loss of only five wickets. Will Young was the standout performer, notching up 107 runs, supported by Tom Latham, who scored 118 not out. Glenn Phillips also made notable contributions, adding 61 runs off just 39 balls. The New Zealand batting lineup showcased depth and adaptability, overcoming early challenges posed by the Pakistani bowlers.
Pakistan’s top order, including captain Babar Azam, struggled. Azam scored 64 runs off 90 balls, but the slow approach, coupled with the early loss of wickets, hindered any momentum. Fakhar Zaman's predicament only exacerbated the situation.
Fakhar's injury was particularly concerning for the Pakistani side. Just two deliveries after the match commenced, he was forced to exit the field, suffering discomfort to his knee as he chased down the ball. Initially, Zaman attempted to return to play after the 12th over, but he visibly struggled at the crease, making only 24 runs from 41 balls before being forced to retire for good.
After the match, Babar Azam expressed disappointment over losing fetching early on, stating, "We are disappointed to lose Fakhar so early. He is key to our batting lineup." The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) now faces scrutiny over game-time decisions, particularly for sending Zaman to bat when he was clearly unfit. Critics argue it may have been wiser to rely on other players who were healthier, like Agha Salman or Khushdil Shah.
Khushdil, come the later stages of the innings, demonstrated the kind of aggression Pakistan required, scoring 69 runs off just 49 balls. His efforts starkly contrasted the earlier struggles of the top order. Salman Agha also contributed, signaling urgency with his rapid 42 off 28 balls. Despite these efforts, the Pakistani innings collapsed to 260 all out, demonstrating the consequences of the top order's slow approach and the psychic blows dealt by the loss of their ace player.
The heroic effort of New Zealand's bowlers, particularly pacers William O’Rourke and Mitchell Santer, who claimed three wickets each, ensured Pakistan could not recover from the early setbacks. Both bowlers executed their plans with precision, denying Pakistan the chance to build significant partnerships, especially after losing their anchor early on.
New Zealand's triumph was not solely built upon their batting, as their bullish bowling attack effectively dismissed key players from Pakistan. Their plans were executed flawlessly, and the ping-pong between bat and ball reflected their mental strength on the field.
For the long-awaited return of ICC tournament cricket to Pakistan, enthusiasm and the eventual turnout were slightly muted, with player and fan anticipation clashing with the realities of competition. President of Pakistan, Mr. Zardari, officially inaugurated the tournament, bringing hope of success to the home team. Nevertheless, as PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi remarked: "ICC tournament cricket is back in Pakistan, and we hope to make it memorable."
Pakistan, now reflecting on the game, faces pressure as they prepare for upcoming matches, particularly their looming clash against India. The injury to Fakhar Zaman adds to worries about the team's frontline abilities as they look to recenter and refine their strategy for subsequent games.
Moving forward, Pakistan will need to reassess their batting order and adjust strategies to mitigate similar setbacks. With the ICC Champions Trophy being high stakes, overhead clouds of injury disruptions could well determine their future. Not only must players like Khushdil and Agha step up, but the entire squad must rally to deliver when it counts.