New Zealand failed to stamp authority against Pakistan in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 opening fixture in Karachi. Sent into bat, the Kiwis lost three early wickets inside the first 15 overs that of Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1), and Daryl Mitchell (10). These three batters' wickets titled the first-hour in the home team's favor. Pakistan also managed to surprise the visitors opening batters by bringing leg spinner Abrar Ahmed into the attack in the power play.
The move paid rich dividends immediately as Ahmed got rid of in-form Conway. Of all the bowlers skipper Mohammad Rizwan has used so far, the leg spinner is proving to be the most difficult to get away. Although Will Young has looked solid at the crease and got to a good start, Pakistan will be the happier side during the first drinks break in Karachi.
Abrar Ahmed shines bright as hosts make early inroads in the opening CT fixture against New Zealand
A lot of questions were being asked by experts about Pakistan going in with only one spinner in the Champions Trohpy 15-member squad. With the majority of the teams going in with at least three spinners, Pakistan's tactics were questioned. Nonetheless, for now, experts' questions have been answered as Ahmed has managed to bowl well in the ongoing clash against the Kiwis.
Tasked with the important challenge of bowling in the power play, the leg spinner has so far managed to hit the right lengths and troubled the visitors batters. For New Zealand, Will Young has looked solid and has to a fifty. The right-hand batter needs to carry on and convert his start into something substantial.
