Pakistan struck early in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener, dismissing New Zealand’s Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell. The brilliant start at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Stadium has electrified home fans, setting the tone for a strong performance.
The young spinner Abrar Ahmed removed Conway for 10 in the eighth over, whereas, Naseem Shah dismissed the dangerous Williamson for 1 in the nighth over.
Haris Rauf broke the partnership between Mitchell and Will Young as he dismissed the former for 10.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first against their competitor New Zealand.
President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari are also attending the opening match as the chief guests.
The event also featured an aerial display by the Pakistan Air Force’s Sherdils team.
The eight-team tournament will be played across three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – as well as in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 19 February to 9 March.
