Pakistan suffered a huge setback in their race for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals after losing to New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi on Wednesday. Chasing 321 runs to win, the defending champions stumbled against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack to be all out for 260 runs in 47.2 overs.
In fact, it was Pakistan’s fourth consecutive loss to New Zealand in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy. With this loss, New Zealand go atop the Group A table with two points. Hosts Pakistan languish at the bottom. The other two teams of the group – India and Bangladesh – start their campaigns on Thursday.
In a tournament like ICC Champions Trophy, a single loss would have a huge impact on any team. Similar is the case with Pakistan. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side now will have to depend on results of other teams to go through the last four stage and win their remaining games.
