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Star batter Babar Azam scored a steady and fighting fifty as Pakistan are chasing 321 runs in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand at National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Notably, the tournament kickstarter with New Zealand posting 320/5 in their 50 overs with Will Young and Tom Latham scoring tons. In reply, the defending champions lost their first three wickets quickly before Babar Azam took charge of the innings and scored a fifty in 81 balls to keep Pakistan in the game.
Opening batter Will Young gave New Zealand a good start and got out after scoring 107(113) runs while Tom Latham remained unbeaten on 118*(104) runs. Apart from that, Glenn Phillips also gave finishing touches with 61(39) runs as New Zealand crossed the 300-run mark. Chasing the winning target, Pakistan had a poor start as they were reduced to 69/3 after 10 overs.
Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha take charge after early wickets
After Pakistan lost three wickets, Salman Ali Agha joined Babar Azam at the crease as the duo added 58 runs for the fourth wicket. Salman got out after scoring 42(28) runs hitting six fours and six, while Babar lost his wicket after scoring 64 runs off 90 balls with six fours and a maximum.
