refreshRight 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!
47.2OUT! BOWLED! ALL OVER FOR PAKISTAN! New Zealand win it by 60 runs! Matt Henry bowls it fuller, from over the wicket, and around middle and leg, Naseem Shah moves across again and misjudges the line and length as he looks to scoop it over short fine leg but misses and falls over as the ball goes and rattles the leg stump.
47.1On a good length, wide outside off, with pace off, Naseem Shah moves across and looks to squeeze it but misses.
Abrar Ahmed is the last man in.
46.6OUT! CAUGHT! GONE THIS TIME! Pakistan are nine down! Mitchell Santner picks up his third wicket. He again gives air to the ball, around just outside off, Haris Rauf comes down the track and looks to loft it but loses his shape and completely mistimes it. The ball goes in the air towards long on where Michael Bracewell takes it with both hands. New Zealand are just one wicket away from the first win of the tournament.
46.5SIX! ADD ONE MORE TO IT! Floated up, around off and middle, Haris Rauf uses his feet to get to the pitch of the ball and lofts it over long on for a biggie.
46.4Drags his length, around off, Naseem Shah dabs it wide of point for a single.
46.3SIX! Naseem joins the party now. Floated up, around middle, Naseem Shah goes on his knee and slogs it against the turn over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. 250 UP FOR PAKISTAN, something to cheer for the spectators.
46.2Tossed up, around off, Naseem clears out his front leg and looks to loft it inside out over cover but gets it through the outer half of the bat as the ball just clears the backward point fielder and they run for a couple.
46.1Nagging length, just outside off, Naseem makes room and looks to cut it but misses.
45.6Change of pace, slower full ball, around leg, Haris stays low and looks to slog it but misses.
45.5SIX! Rauf is enjoying his batting. Back of a length, around middle, from over the wicket, Haris Rauf stays on the back foot and drags it to deep backward square leg with a pull shot for a biggie.
45.4On a good length, around middle and leg, follows the batter again, Naseem makes room and pushes it to long on for a single.
45.3Back of a length, around leg, follows the batter, Rauf gets cramped up for room but manages to drop it down towards square leg for a single.
45.2BEATEN! Short of a length, and outside off, Haris Rauf has a swing at it but misses.
45.1Good length, around leg, coming in with the angle, Naseem Shah looks to flick it but misses and wears it on the pad. They run a single for a leg bye as the ball rolls away towards square leg.
44.6SIX! WOW! JUST OVER BUT WHAT A SHOT FROM HARIS! Mitchell Santner tosses up, around middle and leg, Haris Rauf walks down the surface and slogs it down the ground just over leaping long on fielder for a biggie.
44.5Slower through the air, ,around middle, Haris drops it down back to the bowler.
44.4Nagging length, just outside off, Naseem steers it to deep cover for a single.
44.3Keeps it shorter, around off, Naseem punches it but straight to cover.
44.2Drags his length, just outside off, Naseem guides it to short third.
44.1Tossed up, around off, Naseem Shah looks to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.
43.6A sharp bouncer, around middle, Haris Rauf ducks it.
43.5On a good length, around middle and leg, Haris Rauf looks to guide it towards deep third but misses and wears it on the thigh pad.
Haris Rauf comes out to the middle now.
43.4OUT! CAUGHT! That is it from an entertaining knock from Khushdil Shah! Will O’Rourke gets his third wicket. What a bowler this bloke has been in the last few months. O'Rourke bowls on back of a length, from around the wicket, on middle. Khushdil Shah looks to pull it but gets cramped up for room and mistimes it towards long on where Michael Bracewell doesn't have to move an inch as he pouches it with a reverse cup. Shah departs after a fighting 69 off 49, and Pakistan are 229/8.
43.3On a good length, around off, Shah mistimes it back to the bowler with the bottom part of the bat.
43.2FOUR! A GEM OF AN INNING FROM KHUSHDIL! Back of a length, with pace off, around middle, trying to deceive the batter, Khushdil presses back and manages to pull it along the ground wide of deep fine leg for a boundary.
43.1On a good length but wide outside off, keeps it away from the batter, Khushdil Shah extends his arms and looks to go over cover but only manages to toe end it back to the bowler.
42.6Back of a length, around off, Khushdil Shah presses back and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
42.5A brilliant yorker from Henry, right in the blockhole, Khushdil Shah jams it out to the right of the bowler.
42.4On a hard length, outside off, Naseem hops up a bit and guides it to deep third man for a single.
42.3Henry again switches to around the wicket and bowls on a back of a length, around off, Khushdil opens the face of the bat and guides it to deep cover for a single.
42.2FOUR! MUSCLED! Henry comes over the wicket and bowls on good length, around off, Khushdil Shah gives himself room as he clears out his front leg and thumps it over mid off for a boundary.
42.2WIDE! Back of a length but wide outside off, Khushdil Shah looks to chase it with his stretched hands but misses. Called a wide.
42.1FOUR! KHUSHDIL IS KEEPING PAKISTAN ALIVE! Slower length ball, from around the wicket, on middle, Khushdil Shah covers the line and pulls it along the ground towards deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
41.6On a good length, around off, Shah dabs it towards cover point for a single.
41.6WIDE! Short of a length, but wide outside off, Khushdil dances down the track and looks to chase it but misses. Called a wide.
41.5FOUR MORE! THUMPED! Back of a length, around middle, Khushdil Shah stays on the back foot and pulls it along the ground towards deep mid-wicket for another boundary.
41.4FOUR! In the air but a boundary! Short of a length, from around the wicket, on middle, Khushdil Shah presses back and pulls it. He gets cramped up for room and thus mistimes it. The ball goes in the air towards deep square leg where Devon Conway is a bit late in reacting and he even tries to slide forward to stop the ball or go for a catch. But the ball falls ahead of him and goes over the ropes for a boundary. Khushdil brings up his fifty also with this shot. Is there a glimmer of hope for Pakistan?
41.3A tight single! Short of a length, around off and middle, Naseem dabs it wide of cover and runs off for a quick single.
41.3WIDE! Bangs in short of a length, but down the leg side, Naseem Shah ducks and it is called a wide.
41.2Could have been chopped on! Back of a length, around off, Naseem Shah waits for it and then opens the face of the bat but gets late and manages to get a thick inside edge onto the pads.
41.1On a good length, outside off, Khushdil Shah walks down the track and looks to drag it to the leg side but gets a top edge that flies towards deep third and they run for a single.
Naseem Shah walks out to bat now.
40.6OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Pakistan are seven down! Matt Henry picks up his first wicket finally as he bowls on a back of a length, from over the wicket, outside off, Shaheen Afridi gets width so he extends his arms and looks to pull it but the ball skids through the surface and takes the outside edge and goes to the keeper Tom Latham who takes it to his right with both hands. Pakistan are 200/7.
40.5On a good length, outside off, Khushdil Shah dabs it wide of backward point for a single. 200 comes up for Pakistan.
40.4In the air but falls in the vacant region! On a good length, outside off, from over the wicket, Shaheen Afridi clears out his front leg and looks to slog it down the ground but mistimes it completely as the ball goes in the air but falls ahead of the long off fielder and they take a single.
40.3Short of a length, around middle, Khushdil Shah transfers his weight to the back foot and looks to pull it but gets it through the top edge towards deep square leg for a single.
40.2Comes around the wicket, on a good length and outside off, Khushdil Shah cuts it off the back foot but straight to point.
40.1Back of a length, around middle, Shaheen Afridi stands tall and pulls it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
POWERPLAY 3! New Zealand can now have five fielders outside the circle till the end.
39.6Short and around off, Shaheen Afridi backs away and punches it through covers for one.
39.5Tossed up, full and on middle, Khushdil Shah sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
39.4Flatter, full and on leg, Khushdil Shah clips it towards square leg.
39.3SIX! Clean strike! Tossed up, full and around off. Khushdil Shah moves across a bit and slogs it away powerfully over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
39.2Short and outside off, Khushdil Shah cuts it to point.
39.1Floated, full and on off, Shaheen Afridi pushes it through covers for a single.
38.6Quicker, full and around off, Khushdil Shah reverse sweeps it straight to short third.
38.5Floated, full and on middle, Khushdil Shah defends on the front foot.
38.4Fires one full and on off, Khushdil Shah looks to reverse paddle it but misses.
38.3Flighted, full and around off, turns away, Khushdil Shah goes down to sweep but misses.
38.2Short and on middle, Khushdil Shah nudges it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs more.
38.1Tossed up, full and on middle, Khushdil Shah tucks it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.
37.6Darts one full and n leg, Khushdil Shah clips it through mid-wicket for one.
37.5Short and around off, Shaheen Afridi punches it past short covers for a single.
37.4Flighted, full and on middle, Shaheen Afridi blocks it out.
37.3Flatter, full and on middle, Shaheen Afridi guides it to point.
37.2Floated, full and on middle, Shaheen Afridi steers it off the outer half of the bat to point.
37.1SIX! BOOM! Tossed up, full and on middle. Shaheen Afridi skips down the track and dispatches it over the bowler's head with ease for a biggie.
36.6FOUR! Flighted full and around off. Khushdil Shah goes down and drags his sweep nicely to the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.
36.5Short and on off, Khushdil Shah punches it towards short covers.
36.4Quicker, full and on off, Khushdil Shah goes down across to paddle but misses and gets hit on the pads.
36.3Flatter, short and on middle, Khushdil Shah pats it down the pitch.
36.2FOUR! Streaky! Tossed up, full and on middle, Khushdil Shah goes for the sweep but gets a top edge. It goes over square leg and spins away to the fence for a boundary.
36.1Short and on leg, Shaheen Afridi clips it through square leg for a single.
35.6FOUR! Nicely done! Flatter, full and on off. Khushdil Shah goes down and plays the reverse sweep to perfection wide of deep point for a boundary. They need a lot more of these.
35.5Slows it up, full and on off, turns in, Khushdil Shah tucks it to the leg side.
35.4Drags his length back, on off, Khushdil Shah pats it to short mid-wicket.
35.3Tossed up, full and on middle, Shaheen Afridi goes for the big slog but gets an inside edge through square leg for a single.
35.2Short again and outside off, Khushdil Shah cuts it to deep point for a run.
35.1FOUR! Good shot! A half-tracker, on middle. Khushdil Shah rocks back quickly and smashes it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.
34.6Looped up, full and on middle, Khushdil Shah goes for the reverse sweep again but gets it from the toe-end onto his pad as the ball rolls to the off side. They cross.
34.5Short again and on off, Khushdil Shah stabs it to short covers.
34.4A bit short and on off, Shaheen Afridi pushes it towards covers for a run.
34.3Flighted, full and on middle, Khushdil Shah reverse sweeps it to deep point for a single.
34.2And again! Tossed up, full and on for, turns away sharply, Khushdil Shah prods forward to block but the ball turns past the outside edge.
34.1BEAUTY! Floated, full and on off, turns away, Khushdil Shah stays back to play but gets beaten all ends up.
DRINKS! Pakistan are crumbling here and with the wicket of Babar Azam, their hopes have gone down also. Khushdil Shah is there on the field but can he turn the tides for his team and play a blinder here? New Zealand have been so clever as they squeezed the runs first and then chipped in wickets because of that pressure only. They have been brilliant in all three departments in this match and will look to close out this match as early as they can. Shaheen Afridi joins Khushdil.
33.6OUT! TAKEN! Mitchell Santner strikes again! He tosses it up nicely, full and on for, turns away a bit. Babar Azam goes down for the big sweep but only manages to get a top edge. The ball goes up in the air and Kane Williamson at mid-wicket takes a nice catch. Babar goes back for 64, and Pakistan are 153/6, still needing 168 runs in 96 balls.
33.5Slows it up, full and on off, Babar Azam uses his feet and steers it towards backward point.
33.4FOUR! Put away! Flighted, full and on middle. Babar Azam goes down and heaves it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for a bodunary. 150 up for Pakistan!
33.3Short again and on leg, Khushdil Shah nudges it to deep mid-wicket for one.
33.2Flatter, full and on leg, Babar Azam clips it wide of short mid-wicket for a quick run.
33.1Floated, short and on middle, turns in, Khushdil Shah flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
32.6A sharp bouncer, on middle, Khushdil Shah gets hurried into his pull shot and gets a top edge that lands safely in the square leg region. They cross.
32.5On a length and on middle, Khushdil Shah tucks it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
32.4FOUR! Nice shot! Nathan Smith bangs this one into the pitch and outside off. Khushdil Shah frees his arms and crunches it past point for a boundary.
32.3Back of a length and around off, Khushdil Shah dabs it past point. The fielder from sweeper covers runs to his right and stops it with his foot. Two runs taken.
32.2Short of a length and on off, Babar Azam runs it down to third man for a single.
32.1SIX! Breaks the shackles a bit! Fuller one and on middle, angling in. Babar Azam picks it up nicely and whips it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
31.6Short again and outside off, Babar Azam punches it to sweeper covers for one.
31.5Flighted, full and on middle, Babar Azam tucks it to short mid-wicket.
31.4Short and on middle, Khushdil Shah nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
Khushdil Shah is the next batter.
31.3OUT! TAKEN! Mitchell Santner joins the party now! He drags his length back and on middle, quicker too. Tayyab Tahir tries to rock back and pull it away but gets a bit cramped up as the ball skids through. He loses his balance. He ends up hitting it flat and uppishly straight to short mid-wicket where Kane Williamson takes a sharp catch. Pakistan lose half their side now!
31.2Floated, full and on middle, Tayyab Tahir blocks it out.
31.1TURN AND BOUNCE! Tossed up, full and on off, grips and turns away with bounce. Tayyab Tahir looks to play but gets beaten on the outside edge.
30.6Hard length and on off, Tayyab Tahir guides it through point for one more.
30.5Short of a length and on off, Tayyab Tahir dabs it to point.
Tayyab Tahir comes out to bat at number six for Pakistan.
30.4OUT! TAKEN! Nathan Smith strikes in his first over! The change of bowling has worked for the Kiwis. He bangs this one short and on middle. Salman Agha comes down the track to pull it away but the ball gets big on him. It takes the top edge and loops in the air. Michael Bracewell from short mid-wicket takes a couple of steps to his front and gobbles it up. Agha walks back after a quick-fire 42 off 28 balls. Pakistan are 127/4 now!
30.3Back of a length and on off, Babar Azam steers it through backward point for another run.
30.2On a length and on middle, Salman Agha backs away and pushes it towards covers for a run.
30.1FIFTY FOR BABAR! A decent knock but he knows the job is not done yet! Fuller and on middle, Babar Azam clips it through square leg for a single.
29.6Floats the ball up on the off stump. Salman Agha taps it late but finds the short third man fielder this time.
29.5Floats the ball up wide outside off. Salman Agha goes for a sweep but misses. Tom Latham grabs the ball well and takes the bails off in a flash. The Third Umpire is consulted but Salman Agha looks comfortably in.
29.4Just short outside off, turning away. Salman Agha nudges it to the left of short third man for a couple of runs this time. Moves onto 41 off just 24 deliveries now.
29.3Nails a yorker on the stumps. Babar Azam drives it to long on for one.
29.2Touch fuller on off. Babar Azam blocks it off the front foot.
29.1Drops the ball short on top of the stumps. Babar Azam pulls it up and over mid-wicket for a quick couple.
28.6Touch fuller on the off stump line. Babar Azam blocks it off the front foot.
28.5Short and wide outside off. Salman Agha nudges it to the left of third man and a rare misfield from the fielder results in three runs by the batters.
28.4FOUR! SECOND BOUNDARY OF THE OVER! Nagging length from Glenn Phillips and Salman Agha walks in and slogs the ball infront of deep square leg this time to pick up a boundary.
28.3SIX! THAT IS HUGE! Salman Agha gets hold of that one. Tossed up from Glenn Phillips outside off and Salman Agha walks in and slogs the ball up and over long off for a huge six.
28.2Just short on the stumps. Babar Azam flicks the ball to fine leg and runs a single.
28.1Tossed up on the stumps. Babar Azam walks in and drops the ball down.
27.6Full on the stumps. Babar flicks it to the right of Kane Williamson at short mid-wicket for a risky run.
27.5Good length outside off Babar stays back, opens the bat face and guides it to backward point.
27.4A flighted delivery around the off stump. Salman gets down on one knee and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single.
27.3Full on the off stump. Salman reads it off the pitch and gets an inside edge to short fine leg.
27.2FOUR! OUTSIDE EDGE! TWO IN TWO! Very full and outside the off stump. Salman gets low on the front foot for the sweep. It is too full to play the shot and he adjusts his stroke by opening the bat face and squeezing it past short third man to his left. The ball runs away to the fence in no time.
27.1FOUR! SLAPPED AWAY! Around the wicket. Short and outside the off stump. Salman plays with the spin as he rocks back and slaps it past diving backward point to his left.
26.6Touch fuller on off. Babar Azam blocks it off the front foot.
26.5Nagging length spinning back into the stumps. Babar Azam blocks it off the front foot.
26.4Full outside the off stump. Salman kneels down and sweeps it to the right of Conway at deep square leg for a run.
26.3FOUR! CHEEKY! Full on the off stump. Slightly quicker from Phillips. Salman is down on one knee and uses the pace and spin of the bowler, scooping it over the keeper to his left for a cheeky boundary.
26.2FOUR! UP AND OVER! Good pick shot by Salman Agha! Welcome boundary for Pakistan! They need more of these! Shortish length outside off. Spins back into Salman and stays low. The Pakistan number 5 rocks back and does well to get under it. Launches the ball up and obver covers for a superb boundary on the bounce.
26.1Over the wicket. Short and outside off. Babar cuts it to deep cover for a single.
25.6Nagging Good length around the off stump. Salman stays back and punches it to point.
25.5Tossed up on the off stump. Salman is down on one knee and sweeps it off the inner half of the bat to short fine leg.
25.4Another nagging length and outside off. Salman punches it to cover point.
25.3Nagging length ball coming in with the arm on the middle and leg. Salman misses the whip on the inside edge and gets hit on the front pad. Slight appeal for lbw but it is going down leg.
25.2Tossed up outside off. Babar Azam drives the ball to sweeper covers for a run.
25.1Comes around the wicket and angles the ball on the off stump from a fuller length. Babar Azam taps it back to the bowler.
24.6Nagging length outside off. Babar Azam walks in and drops the ball down towards covers.
24.5Fuller on the stumps. Babar Azam drives the ball to long on for a single.
24.4Fuller on the stumps. Salman Agha slogs the ball to deep mid-wicket for one.
24.3On the pads from a nagging length. Babar Azam slaps it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
24.2Much fuller on off. Babar Azam drives the ball straight to mid off.
24.1Drops the ball short outside off. Babar Azam taps it late, straight to Kane Williamson at short third man.
23.6Short and wide outside off. Babar Azam slaps the ball to sweeper covers for a single.
23.5Pitches it up on the stumps. Salman Agha sweeps the ball to deep square leg for one.
23.4Nagging length on the off stump. Salman Agha blocks it off the front foot.
23.3FOUR! VERY LUCKY! Mitchell Santner tosses the ball up on the leg stumps and gets a good turn away from the right-hander. Salman Agha looks to flick the ball but catches the leading edge that goes past the wicketkeeper for a lucky boundary.
23.2Fast and flat on the stumps, moving away from the leg stumps. Salman Agha walks down and gets a hit on the thigh pads.
23.1Tossed up on the stumps. Salman Agha walks in and slogs the ball into the mid-wicket gap for a couple of runs.
22.6Drops it short on the stumps. Babar Azam tucks it towards square leg to end the over.
22.5Touch fuller on off. Babar Azam flicks it to mid-wicket.
22.4Nagging length on the stumps. Babar Azam turns it towards mid-wicket.
22.3Fuller on off. Babar Azam blocks it off the front foot.
22.2INSIDE EDGE! Tosses the ball up on the off stump line. Babar Azam dances down the track and goes for a wild slog. The ball hits the inside edge of the bat and runs away past the square leg. The batters pick up a couple.
22.1Just short on the stumps. Babar Azam flicks the ball straight to square leg.
21.6Fuller on the middle stump line. Salman Agha drives it back to the bowler.
21.5Nagging length on the off stump. Babar Azam flicks the ball to long on for one.
21.4Floats it up on off. Babar Azam drives it well but another brilliance from Glenn Phillips at covers and the batters are denied a single.
21.3Tosses the ball up pon the off stump. Babar Azam drops it down towards point.
21.2Touch fuller on the off stump. Babar Azam offers a front foot block.
21.1Starts off short on the off stump. Babar Azam taps it straight to covers form the back foot.
20.6Floats the ball up on the off stump. Salman Agha blocks it off the front foot.
Salman Agha comes out to bat at number five.
20.5OUT! TIMBER! Fakhar Zaman has to walk back after a disappointing outing! Michael Bracewell strikes for New Zealand! Michael Bracewell tosses the ball up on the off stump line. Fakhar Zaman takes away the front leg and looks to slog the ball. He misses it completely and the ball rushes onto hit the middle stump. Fakhar Zaman walks back for 24 (41) and Pakistan is 69/3 now.
20.4Nagging length on the stumps. Babar Azam flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single.
20.3Touch fuller on the stumps. Babar Azam blocks it off the front foot.
20.2Big turn from the stumps. Babar Azam gets some bat on it and the ball runs away to the fine leg area. The batters run a couple.
20.1Floats the ball up outside off. Babar Azam takes a long foot outside off and wears the ball on the pads.
19.6Floated up, around off, Fakhar Zaman looks to sweep it but gets it through the outer half of the bat towards short third man.
19.5Nagging length, around off, Fakhar Zaman defends it.
19.4DROPPED! It will be a bit harsh to call this a drop but at this level, and with New Zealand are so good with their fielding, it could have been caught. Glenn Phillips tosses up, around off, tempting the batter to go for a big shot, Fakhar Zaman goes on his knee and sweeps it but mistimes his shot completely. The ball takes the top edge and goes towards deep square leg. Devon Conway runs in forward and makes a full stretched dive to catch it with both hands but the ball bursts out through his hands. The batters don't run.
19.3Quicker, around middle, Fakhar Zaman goes on the back foot and pushes it to cover.
19.2Keeps it shorter, around middle, Babar Azam stays on the back foot and clips it wide of square leg and runs off for a quick single. Matt Henry collects the ball and makes a direct hit at the non-striker's end where Babar Azam is a bit lazy in running. New Zealand appeal but the umpire thinks that Babar has made it to the crease.
19.1Nagging length, around middle, Babar Azam tucks it to square leg off the back foot.
18.6Fuller, around middle, Fakhar Zaman comes forward and blocks it right under his eyes.
18.5Nagging length, outside off, Fakhar presses back and drops it down to cover.
18.4Tossed up, around middle, Zaman defends it.
18.3Drags his length and keeps it wide of outside off, turns away further, Fakhar Zaman leaves it as it was way outside of his reach.
18.2FOUR! STRONG STRIKE! Floated up, around middle, Fakhar Zaman goes on his knee and gets to the pitch of the ball to loft it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
18.1Tossed up, around middle, Babar turns it away to deep square leg for a single.
17.6Tossed up, around middle, Babar Azam clips it towards square leg for a single.
17.5Much slower through the air, around middle, Fakhar Zaman goes on his knee and looks to slog it but gets it through the bottom edge of the bat to deep square leg for a single.
17.4Drops it much shorter and outside off, Fakhar Zaman makes room and eases out to backward point.
17.3Floated up, around off, Babar comes down the track and pushes it to long on for a single.
17.2Tossed up, around off, Fakhar Zaman uses his feet to get to the pitch of the ball and looks to loft it over mid-wicket but manages to toe-ends it to deep square leg for a single.
17.1On a nagging length, around off, Babar Azam presses back and steers it to deep cover for a single.
16.6A MAIDEN! Floated up, around off, Fakhar comes forward and drops it down to cover.
16.5Tossed up, around off, Zaman doesn't offer any shot at it.
16.4Keeps it much shorter, around off, Fakhar Zaman looks to turn it to the leg side but gets a leading edge back to the bowler.
16.3Good bounce and turn! Nagging length, around middle, turns away with an extra bounce, Fakhar Zaman goes on his knee and looks to sweep it but misses.
16.2Much slower, around off and middle, Zaman looks to drive it but toe-ends it back to the bowler.
16.1Nagging length, on top of off, Fakhar Zaman lets the ball come to him and then opens the face of the bat to guide it to short third.
DRINKS! At the drinks break, Pakistan find themselves in early trouble while chasing 321, having lost two wickets inside the powerplay with just 22 runs on the board. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam are trying to rebuild, with Fakhar relying on aggressive strokeplay due to limited running ability due to the on-field injury he went through during fielding. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s fielding has been exceptional, restricting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities and maintaining pressure. With the required run rate climbing, Pakistan needs a strong partnership to stay in the game. The next phase will be crucial, can Pakistan fight back, or will New Zealand tighten their grip on the match? Let's see what happens after the break.
15.6Tossed up, around off, Babar Azam lunges and looks to work it away to the leg side but gets a thick outside edge towards point.
15.5Gives air to the ball again, fuller, around off, Fakhar Zaman comes down the track and pushes it to deep cover for a single.
15.4Slower through the air, around middle, Fakhar looks to turn it to the leg side but misses and wears it on the pads.
15.3Floated up, outside off, Babar comes forward and drives it wide of cover for a single.
15.2FOUR! FLURRY OF BOUNDARIES! On a nagging length, around middle, Babar Azam presses back and swipes out towards wide of deep fine leg for a boundary. Matt Henry makes a dive to his left but can't save the boundary.
15.1Tossed up, around off, Babar gets an inside edge towards square leg as he looks to defend it.
14.6FOUR! CRUNCHED IT ABSOLUTELY! Floated up, around off, Fakhar Zaman again drags it towards deep square leg but more finely this time with a sweep shot for a boundary. There is no chance for the fielder this time.
14.5Nagging length, around off, Zaman drops it down back to the bowler.
14.4FOUR! GETS THE BOUDNARY NOW! Tossed up, around off, Fakhar Zaman goes on his knee and drags it towards deep backward square leg with a sweep shot. The ball races away to the boundary beating the diving deep square leg fielder.
14.3A big turner! Similar length and outside off, turns away sharply, Fakhar Zaman goes on his knee and looks to sweep it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
14.2Nagging length, outside off, turns away, Fakhar Zaman defends it.
14.1Too slower through the air, around off, fuller, Fakhar Zaman looks to drag it to the leg side with a sweep shot but toe-ends it back to the bowler.
13.6Comes over the wicket, tossed up, around off, Babar Azam dabs it towards point and wants to have a single but is sent back by Fakhar Zaman.
13.5Keeps it shorter, around off, Zaman taps it in front of point and runs off a quick single.
Halt! Fakhar Zaman is down with pain and is being looked after by the team doctor. He is taking his time and looks like he will continue to bat ahead for Pakistan.
13.4Drags his length a bit, and around off, slower through the air, Fakhar Zaman makes room and looks to slap it away but gets it through the inner half of the bat towards cover.
13.3FOUR! PUNISHED! Again much slower and fuller, around off, Fakhar Zaman charges down the track and hammers it over the head of the bowler for a boundary.
13.2Much slower, around off, Fakhar Zaman lunges and defends it.
13.1Nagging length, around off, Babar Azam pushes it towards long on for a single.
12.6Slower through the air, around off, Fakhar Zaman comes forward and blocks it out.
12.5Fuller again, just outside off, Fakhar goes on his knee and looks to sweep it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
12.4Floated up, around off, Fakhar Zaman pushes it towards cover.
12.3Tossed up, around off, Zaman drops it down to cover point.
12.2Wonderful effort in the field again from New Zealand! Tossed up, around off, Fakhar Zaman goes on his knee and looks to sweep it. He mistimes it and the ball goes high in the air towards deep backward square leg. Nathan Smith runs into his left and saves the boundary with a dive and restricts the batter to just a couple of runs.
12.1BEAUTY! From around the wicket, on the nagging length, turns away, around off, Fakhar Zaman goes on the back foot and looks to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
11.6On a good length, outside off, Babar again cuts it hard but straight to that man again, Glenn Phillips at point. NO RUN.
11.5FOUR! JUST SHORT OF THE FIELDER AND A BOUNDARY! Back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam extends his arms and crunches it aerially over extra cover. The ball goes in the air and just drops ahead of the diving deep cover fielder Devon Conway and goes over the ropes on the bounce for a boundary.
11.4A good bouncer in a comeback from Will O’Rourke and Babar Azam ducks under it.
11.3Hard length, outside off, Babar Azam gets enough room to free his arms as he slashes it hard but straight to the point fielder, Glenn Phillips.
11.2FOUR! MAGNIFICENT TIMING! On a good length, on top of off, Babar Azam lets the ball come to him and then opens the face of the bat to just tap it in the gap finely towards deep third for a boundary.
11.1On a hard length, around off, Zaman clips it wide of mid-wicket for a single.
10.6Slower through the air, around off, Fakhar Zaman charges down the track and looks to heave it to the leg side but gets a leading edge as the ball goes high in the air and just over backtracking point fielder. They run for a single.
10.5Drags his length a bit after seeing batter coming down the track, around middle, Fakhar Zaman gets cramped up for room and manages to just tap it towards cover and wants to have a quick single but is sent back by Babar Azam.
10.4Tossed up, around off, from over the wicket, Fakhar Zaman goes back and defends it with the full face of the bat.
10.3Floated up, around middle, Babar Azam uses his feet and pushes it to long on for a single.
10.2Similar line and length, around middle, Babar comes forward and drops it down.
10.1Tossed up, around off, Babar Azam defends it back to the bowler.
POWERPLAY 2! A brilliance from Glenn Phillips that ends the first 10 overs of this run chase. Pakistan is 22/2 after 10 and now New Zealand enjoys 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.
Fakhar Zaman walks out to the middle for Pakistan.
9.6OUT! TAKEN SUPERBLY! Glenn Phillips, you beauty! Will O’Rourke bangs this one short and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan looks to cut it over point but does not quite get the elevation but hits it really hard. The ball travels fast and hard wide of point. Phillips flies to his left to pluck that one out of thin air with his outstretched left hand. He just keeps taking these spectacular catches. Pakistan lose their skipper and in a lot of trouble now.
9.5Overpitched and on middle, Babar Azam drills it wide of mid off for a single.
9.4Touch fuller and on off, Babar Azam drills it to short covers. Pakistan need to get a move on here.
9.3On a length and on off, Babar Azam steers it to point.
9.2Slower one, back of a length and around off, Babar Azam misses out on his cut shot.
9.1Fuller and on off, Babar Azam pushes it to short covers.
8.6Overpitched and on off, Mohammad Rizwan keeps it out to the off side.
8.5Hard length and on off, Babar Azam looks to play at it but gets a bottom edge on the ground and wide of the keeper. Tom Latham dives to his right and makes a half-stop wth his outstreched right hand. They cross.
8.4Pulls his length back, on off, Babar Azam pushes it to short covers.
8.3Pitched up and on middle, Babar Azam blocks it out.
8.2Good length and on middle, nips back in sharply, Babar Azam looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. A loud appeal for LBW, but turned down.
8.1Fuller and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
7.6JAFFA! Will O’Rourke hits the length had and around off, nips back in viciously. Babar Azam looks to play at it but gets squared up as the ball zips past his bat.
7.5FOUR! Nice shot! Overpitched and outside off. Babar Azam gets the chance to free his arms and carves it through point for a boundary.
7.4Pitched up and on off, Mohammad Rizwan drives it to covers for a single.
7.3O'Rourke nails the yorker, on middle, angling in. Mohammad Rizwan is a bit late to put his bat down and gets hit on the pads. The ball goes towards backward point and Rizwan sets off for the run but is sent back in time.
7.2Short of a length and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan cuts it hard but straight to point. The dots are piling up here.
7.1Uppish but safe! Will O’Rourke bangs this into the pitch and on middle, shaping in. Mohammad Rizwan looks to pull but geta a bit hurried. It goes off the gloves into his shoulder and pops up but lands well wide of the keeper.
6.6Touch fuller and on off, keeps a bit low, Babar Azam gets low and keeps it out to the off side. MAIDEN OVER!
6.5Hard length and on off, Babar Azam stabs it towards cover-point.
6.4Short of a length and around off, Babar Azam punches it to extra covers.
6.3Good length and on middle, Babar Azam blocks it out well.
6.2Overpitched and on off, Babar Azam drills it to mid off.
6.1Full and on middle, Babar Azam knocks it towards mid on.
5.6Bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan leaves it alone.
5.5back of a length and on off, Mohammad Rizwan stabs it towards short covers.
5.4Short of a length and outside off, Mohammad Rizwan looks to cut but gets a bottom edge on the bounce to the keeper.
5.3Hard length and on off, Babar Azam runs it down to third man for one.
5.2Fuller and on middle, shaping in, Mohammad Rizwan flicks it towards deep square leg for a single.
5.1Good length and around off, Mohammad Rizwan steers it towards point.
4.6Pitches it up, on middle, shaping in sharply. Babar Azam steps across to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. A huge shout for LBW, but turned down. Probably going down the leg side.
4.5FOUR! Lovely shot! Matt Henry goes a bit too full and on off. Babar Azam leans on to his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.
4.4Back of a length and on middle, Babar Azam punches it to mid on. Four dots in a row now!
4.3Pitched up and on middle, angling in, Babar Azam blocks it out solidly.
4.2Good length and on off, Babar Azam looks to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
4.1Fuller and on off, Babar Azam fends it to the off side.
3.6Pitches it up around off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to short covers.
3.5Fuller and on off, Mohammad Rizwan taps it to short covers.
Is that a clean catch? Yes, it is and Saud Shakeel will have to go back to the dressing room. Mohammad Rizwan comes out to bat at number three as the allotted time hasn't got over for Fakhar Zaman.
3.4OUT! TAKEN! Will O’Rourke draws first blood! He bowls this on a hard length and outside off. Saud Shakeel's eyes lit up seeing the width on offer and he slashed hard at it. However, he is not in control of the shot and slices it off the top edge towards third man. Matt Henry runs to his right and dives to take a fantastic catch just inches above the ground. Pakistan are 8/1!
3.3On a length and on leg, Saud Shakeel flicks it away wide of deep square leg for a brace.
3.2Back of a length and on off, Saud Shakeel dabs it to point.
3.1Fuller and on off, Babar Azam drills it wide of mid off. Mitchell Santner moves quickly to his right and dives to stop it well. A single is taken.
2.6Hard length and on middle, Saud Shakeel pats it down to mid on.
2.5Short of a length and on off, Saud Shakeel punches it to covers.
2.4BEATEN! Matt Henry hits the length hard and just around off, takes off sharply, Saud Shakeel looks to guide it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
2.3Back of a length and on off, Saud Shakeel steers it wide of point. Glenn Phillips dives to his left to make a fin one-handed stop.
2.2Full again and around off, Saud Shakeel drills it and finds the gap through covers for a couple of runs.
2.1Fuller and on off, Saud Shakeel drives it firmly but straight to covers.
1.6Hard length and on middle, shapes away, Saud Shakeel guides it to third man for a single.
1.5Pulls his length back and on middle, Saud Shakeel looks to play at it but gets an inside edge towards square leg. Five dots in a row now!
1.4Fuller one and on middle, Saud Shakeel knocks it to the right of short mid-wicket.
1.3Back of a length and around off, shapes away, Saud Shakeel lets it go.
1.2Close! Pitched up and on off, Saud Shakeel looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls just past the stumps.
1.1Good length and in that channel outside off, angling away, Saud Shakeel leaves it alone.
1.1Will O’Rourke begins with a fuller one but way outside off, shaping further away, Saud Shakeel fails to reach it. Wided.
Will O’Rourke will start from the other end.
0.6Fullish and on middle, keeps low, Babar Azam does well to keep it out.
0.5Overpitched and on middle, Babar Azam drills it to mid on.
0.4Pakistan gets underway in the chase! On a length and on middle, Saud Shakeel nudges it towards mid-wicket or a single.
0.3Goes full again and on off, Saud Shakeel drives it towards mid off.
0.2Back of a length and on middle, Saud Shakeel looks to work it away but gets a leading edge safely towards point.
0.1Matt Henry starts with a full delivery, on off, Saud Shakeel guides it off the outer half of the bat towards point.
| Index | Price | Change | % Chg |
|---|---|---|---|
Nifty 50 | 25839.65 | -120.90 | -0.47 |
BSE Sensex | 84666.28 | -436.41 | -0.51 |
Nifty Bank | 59222.35 | -16.20 | -0.03 |
Nifty IT | 38130.60 | -460.10 | -1.19 |
BSE SmallCap | 50601.41 | 634.27 | 1.27 |
| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 3732 | 124 |
| 2 | South Africa | 3581 | 116 |
| 3 | England | 4469 | 112 |
| 4 | India | 4064 | 104 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 2409 | 96 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 2364 | 88 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 2050 | 82 |
| 8 | West Indies | 2036 | 70 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 1888 | 63 |
| 10 | Ireland | 185 | 23 |
| 11 | Zimbabwe | 208 | 12 |
| 12 | Afghanistan | 62 | 10 |
| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 5089 | 121 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 4956 | 113 |
| 3 | Australia | 4134 | 109 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 4294 | 105 |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 4392 | 100 |
| 6 | South Africa | 4022 | 98 |
| 7 | Afghanistan | 2657 | 95 |
| 8 | England | 3432 | 86 |
| 9 | West Indies | 3173 | 77 |
| 10 | Bangladesh | 2882 | 76 |
| 11 | Zimbabwe | 1291 | 54 |
| 12 | Ireland | 938 | 52 |
| 13 | Scotland | 1522 | 46 |
| 14 | USA | 1668 | 44 |
| 15 | Netherlands | 1425 | 40 |
| 16 | Oman | 886 | 35 |
| 17 | Nepal | 959 | 27 |
| 18 | Namibia | 707 | 21 |
| 19 | Canada | 357 | 16 |
| 20 | United Arab Emirates | 396 | 11 |
| Rank | Team | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 18541 | 273 |
| 2 | Australia | 11199 | 267 |
| 3 | England | 11609 | 258 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 13318 | 251 |
| 5 | South Africa | 11973 | 239 |
| 6 | West Indies | 14424 | 236 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 17149 | 235 |
| 8 | Sri Lanka | 10951 | 228 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 14925 | 223 |
| 10 | Afghanistan | 9895 | 220 |
| 11 | Ireland | 7438 | 201 |
| 12 | Zimbabwe | 13190 | 200 |
| 13 | Netherlands | 6366 | 182 |
| 14 | Scotland | 4178 | 182 |
| 15 | Namibia | 6344 | 181 |
| 16 | United Arab Emirates | 10584 | 176 |
| 17 | Nepal | 7384 | 176 |
| 18 | USA | 5769 | 175 |
| 19 | Canada | 5374 | 154 |
| 20 | Oman | 7140 | 152 |
| 21 | Uganda | 7952 | 142 |
| 22 | Papua New Guinea | 2718 | 136 |
| 23 | Kuwait | 5441 | 130 |
| 24 | Hong Kong | 6602 | 127 |
| 25 | Malaysia | 6981 | 125 |
| 26 | Bahrain | 8208 | 119 |
| 27 | Jersey | 2819 | 117 |
| 28 | Italy | 1725 | 115 |
| 29 | Qatar | 4666 | 114 |
| 30 | Spain | 2478 | 113 |
| 31 | Bermuda | 3040 | 113 |
| 32 | Saudi Arabia | 4245 | 109 |
| 33 | Kenya | 5074 | 106 |
| 34 | Tanzania | 4082 | 100 |
| 35 | Germany | 1924 | 87 |
| 36 | Nigeria | 3812 | 78 |
| 37 | Singapore | 2844 | 77 |
| 38 | Guernsey | 2071 | 77 |
| 39 | Cayman Islands | 1921 | 74 |
| 40 | Austria | 4054 | 71 |
| 41 | Denmark | 1262 | 70 |
| 42 | Norway | 2095 | 70 |
| 43 | Portugal | 1333 | 67 |
| 44 | Japan | 2518 | 66 |
| 45 | Belgium | 2059 | 57 |
| 46 | Cambodia | 1365 | 57 |
| 47 | Argentina | 745 | 50 |
| 48 | Switzerland | 1086 | 49 |
| 49 | Finland | 1130 | 49 |
| 50 | Sweden | 1048 | 48 |
| 51 | Malawi | 2019 | 47 |
| 52 | Botswana | 1547 | 47 |
| 53 | Isle of Man | 604 | 46 |
| 54 | France | 1109 | 46 |
| 55 | Romania | 1544 | 45 |
| 56 | Thailand | 1672 | 44 |
| 57 | Bahamas | 972 | 42 |
| 58 | Czechia | 911 | 41 |
| 59 | Rwanda | 2776 | 40 |
| 60 | Cook Islands | 552 | 39 |
| 61 | Philippines | 855 | 37 |
| 62 | Fiji | 387 | 35 |
| 63 | Vanuatu | 561 | 35 |
| 64 | Cyprus | 789 | 33 |
| 65 | Indonesia | 2224 | 33 |
| 66 | Ghana | 570 | 30 |
| 67 | Hungary | 971 | 29 |
| 68 | Samoa | 672 | 29 |
| 69 | Estonia | 665 | 28 |
| 70 | Malta | 1085 | 26 |
| 71 | Mozambique | 518 | 26 |
| 72 | Swaziland | 491 | 26 |
| 73 | Israel | 178 | 25 |
| 74 | Panama | 318 | 21 |
| 75 | Belize | 164 | 21 |
| 76 | Gibraltar | 494 | 19 |
| 77 | Sierra Leone | 423 | 18 |
| 78 | Luxembourg | 432 | 18 |
| 79 | Costa Rica | 218 | 17 |
| 80 | Mexico | 287 | 16 |
| 81 | Bhutan | 348 | 15 |
| 82 | Suriname | 119 | 15 |
| 83 | Serbia | 315 | 11 |
| 84 | Maldives | 214 | 10 |
| 85 | Cameroon | 86 | 8 |
| 86 | Brazil | 90 | 8 |
| 87 | Bulgaria | 191 | 7 |
| 88 | Myanmar | 144 | 6 |
| 89 | Korea | 94 | 6 |
| 90 | St.Helena | 44 | 6 |
| 91 | China | 29 | 5 |
| 92 | Lesotho | 24 | 2 |
| 93 | Turkiye | 26 | 2 |
| 94 | Gambia | 6 | 1 |
| 95 | Slovenia | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Seychelles | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Mali | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Greece | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Croatia | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Mongolia | 0 | 0 |
| 95 | Timor-Leste | 0 | 0 |
