Pakistan began their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign with a 60-run defeat to New Zealand at Karachi's National Stadium. New Zealand set a formidable total of 320/5, propelled by centuries from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*), along with a rapid 61 from Glenn Phillips.
In response, Pakistan managed 260 all out in 47.2 overs. Khushdil Shah top-scored with 69 runs, while Babar Azam contributed 64. The team's chase faltered due to a sluggish start, scoring just 22/2 in the first 10 overs—their third-lowest Powerplay total in Champions Trophy history.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan attributed the loss to ineffective death bowling and the absence of opener Fakhar Zaman, who was sidelined due to injury.
This defeat marks Pakistan's third consecutive loss to New Zealand in recent weeks, following two defeats in a tri-series, including the final.
Pakistan's next match is against India on Sunday, February 23, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. A victory is crucial for their progression in the tournament.
It seems like you're referring to a cricket match where Pakistan played 119 dot balls. In cricket, a dot ball is a delivery where no runs are scored, either by a batsman not hitting the ball or the ball being defended.
Playing 119 dot balls in a game could indicate a slow or cautious approach by Pakistan's batsmen, possibly struggling to score or dealing with tight bowling from the opposition. Would you like to know more details about the match, such as which teams were involved, the total score, or specific players’ performance Babar Azam's 81-ball 50 is a notable innings, showcasing his trademark consistency and ability to build an innings. In such a knock, he likely paced himself well, taking his time to get in and accelerate later. His ability to maintain composure, particularly in pressure situations, is what makes him a top-tier batsman in international cricket.