ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s team selection and strategy for the ODIs were already under scrutiny, and their 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 opener has only intensified the criticism.
This loss not only frustrated the home crowd but also significantly dented Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.
Here are the two major reasons behind Pakistan’s defeat on Wednesday:
Wrong selection: one spinner short
New Zealand found themselves at 100/3 in 22.3 overs, with Pakistan’s pacers enjoying some luck and Abrar Ahmed effectively controlling the Kiwi batters.
However, this was the phase where spinners needed to step up, apply pressure, and take crucial wickets.
Pakistan, unfortunately, had only one specialist spinner—Abrar—who performed decently. However, relying on part-timers Agha Salman and Khushdil Shah backfired, as neither could provide a breakthrough.
This allowed Will Young and Tom Latham to settle, both going on to score centuries.
By the time Young departed for 107 in the 38th over, Glenn Phillips had already arrived, launching an aggressive assault. He smashed 61 off just 39 balls, while Latham remained unbeaten on 118.
The lack of a second specialist spinner meant Pakistan had no control over the middle overs, allowing New Zealand to post a daunting total.
Lack of Intent in Batting
Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start, and much of that had to do with the absence of Fakhar Zaman at the top.
The opener had suffered an injury while fielding and was forced to stay off the field for two hours, rendering him ineligible to bat in the first 20 minutes of the innings.
In his absence, Saud Shakeel partnered with Babar Azam to open, but he struggled, managing just 6 runs off 19 balls before throwing his wicket away in the 4th over.
Skipper Rizwan (3 off 14) followed soon after, falling to a stunning catch by Phillips at point in the 10th over.
Pakistan limped to 22/2 in the first 10 overs, already feeling the scoreboard pressure. New Zealand’s spinners capitalized, making run-scoring even more difficult.
Fakhar Zaman eventually walked in, but with two wickets already lost, he had little room to settle.
He tried to play aggressively, but Michael Bracewell outfoxed him. Meanwhile, Babar Azam, despite scoring 64 off 90 balls, fell at the worst possible time—just when the required run rate had soared past 11.
Agha Salman and Khushdil Shah put up a late fight, but the early lack of intent had done enough damage. Pakistan ultimately fell short by 60 runs.
What are Pakistan’s chances of qualification?
Winning the first game is crucial in a short tournament like the Champions Trophy, where only three group-stage matches decide qualification.
ALSO READ: New Zealand Trounce Pakistan by 60 Runs in Champions Trophy Opener
Pakistan’s loss at home against New Zealand has left their campaign hanging by a thread. Now, their next match against India on February 23 in Dubai has become a must-win encounter.
If Pakistan beats India, they must still defeat Bangladesh and hope New Zealand overcomes India, ensuring Pakistan doesn’t end up in a three-way tie on points. If three teams finish with the same points, the net run rate will become the deciding factor.
A loss against India would leave Pakistan’s qualification hopes reliant on a complex scenario:
- They would have to beat Bangladesh in their final game.
- They would need New Zealand to lose against both India and Bangladesh.
- They would need Bangladesh to lose against India.
- If multiple teams finish with the same points, Pakistan must have a superior net run rate to advance.
Pakistan’s road to the semi-finals is now extremely challenging, but a win against India could still turn things around.
