Babar Azam Scores Fighting Fifty Against New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan’s campaign in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy got off to a tough start as they faced New Zealand in their opening match. Chasing a daunting target of 321 runs, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam played a responsible knock, scoring a fifty in 81 balls, but his efforts were not enough as Pakistan fell short by 60 runs.

Babar Azam’s Resilient Innings

Electing to bowl first, Pakistan found themselves chasing a big total as New Zealand posted 320/5, powered by stunning centuries from *Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118)**.

In response, Babar Azam led from the front, holding the innings together despite a challenging chase. He reached his fifty in 81 balls, displaying patience and determination against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. His 64-run innings included six boundaries and one six, reflecting a calculated approach to keep Pakistan in the game.

However, his dismissal in the 34th over, bowled by Mitchell Santner, came at a crucial moment and significantly dented Pakistan’s hopes of chasing down the target.

Pakistan’s Chase: Key Performances and Struggles

Alongside Babar Azam, Khushdil Shah played a valiant knock of 69 runs off 49 balls, injecting momentum into the chase. However, despite these individual efforts, Pakistan’s batting lineup failed to sustain partnerships and was bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.

New Zealand’s bowling attack remained composed under pressure, with Will O’Rourke (3/47) and Mitchell Santner (3/66) leading the charge. Their crucial breakthroughs ensured Pakistan never got ahead in the run chase.

Turning Points of the Match

• New Zealand’s Strong Start – Will Young and Tom Latham’s centuries gave New Zealand a commanding total.
• Slow Start for Pakistan – The pressure of a 321-run target forced Pakistan into a cautious start, which led to an increasing required run rate.
• Babar Azam’s Dismissal – His wicket in the 34th over shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
• Middle-Order Collapse – Despite Khushdil Shah’s late surge, Pakistan’s batting lineup lacked the stability to complete the chase.

What’s Next for Pakistan?

With this 60-run defeat, Pakistan must regroup and rethink their strategies for the upcoming matches. Their next fixture, against arch-rivals India, is a must-win to keep their Champions Trophy hopes alive.

Babar Azam will need more support from the batting lineup, and the team must focus on strike rotation and partnerships in high-pressure chases. The Pakistan bowling attack also needs to find ways to contain big partnerships early on.