Right then, that is it from this game where New Zealand starts their campaign with a fine victory over Pakistan. The action in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues on 20th February, Thursday, when India begins their campaign against Bangladesh. The first ball will be bowled at 9 am GMT, but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Mitchell Santner, the victorious skipper of New Zealand, says that he was pleased with the way they batted. Adds that Pakistan bowled well early on and in the middle overs, but the way they finished to get to 320 was nice to see. Credits Young and Latham for their tons and praises Phillips for his knock as well. Mentions that their two pacers were fantastic up front and squeezed up the runs. Says that the spinners also did well and they kept up picking up wickets at regular intervals. Further adds that they now kind of expect Phillips to take those stunners. Tells that it was important to get Babar and Rizwan out early. Adds that the Tri-series helped them prepare well and they will look to continue this momentum.

Mohammad Rizwan, the captain of Pakistan says that New Zealand made a good total in the first inning because they didn’t expect that kinda hitting in the end and New Zealand went somehow over 300 as they were expecting to restrict them under 260 with some early wickets but the partnership of Latham and Phillips took them over 300. Adds that early on, the pitch wasn’t that easy to bat on but it got eased out with the time. He was thinking that 250 runs should be the average score but New Zealand played really well up front and they lacked in the death bowling. Says that about Fakhar’s injury, he is in pain and he doesn’t know much information as of now. Mentions that they lost momentum on two occasions as in the death overs and when they came out to bat in the powerplay. Fakhar was crucial in the powerplay up front but his injury made them bleak in batting. Further adds that they want to play it simple and don’t want to take the extra burden of the tag of defending champions.

Tom Latham is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his excellent ton. He expresses satisfaction with New Zealand’s performance, highlighting their familiarity with the conditions from previous matches in the tri-series. He acknowledges that the surface played slightly differently but credits Will Young’s composed knock and Glenn Phillips’ explosive finish for setting a strong total. Latham emphasizes their ability to accelerate the scoring with wickets in hand, especially with the short square boundaries. He notes that the lack of dew and strong winds contributed to more turn in the second innings, which benefited their spinners, who delivered a terrific bowling performance to seal the win.

Presentation Time...

New Zealand put on a top-class bowling effort backed by electrifying fielding as the Kiwis dominated yet again. Glenn Phillips set the tone with a jaw-dropping catch, while Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke choked the batters early, striking once each. The spin trio of Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips took control in the middle overs, with Santner and Will O’Rourke finishing with three wickets apiece. Nathan Smith chipped in as well, while Henry wrapped up a magnificent all-round performance for the Blackcaps.

Pakistan never really got going in this chase. Missing Fakhar Zaman at the top hurt them dearly, as the openers showed little intent and failed to use the Powerplay scoring just 22 with the loss of 2 wickets. Babar Azam’s half-century felt unusually subdued, with the required rate mounting. Mohammad Rizwan fell to a stunning grab from Glenn Phillips. Salman Agha’s cameo and Khushdil Shah’s fighting fifty offered brief hope, but with no real support, the target was always out of reach as they fell short by 60 runs in the end.

Earlier in the game, a stunning display from New Zealand saw Will Young and Tom Latham smash twin centuries, while Glenn Phillips provided the finishing touch with a fiery fifty, powering the Kiwis to a massive total. Pakistan had some bright spots with Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah picking up two wickets each, while Haris Rauf chipped in, but their death bowling woes resurfaced at the worst time.

THE KIWIS KNOCKED DOWN THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS! New Zealand continue their red-hot form, toppling Pakistan for the third time in just 10 days on their own turf - an incredible feat! They’re looking like a well-oiled machine and an early favourite in this tournament. Pakistan, on the other hand, have plenty to reflect on and will be sweating over Fakhar Zaman’s injury, but there were still glimpses of promise. A statement win for the Black Caps!

Abrar Ahmed is the last man in.