Champions Trophy 2025: Top 10 Memes from Pakistan vs New Zealand, Match 1

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off with New Zealand securing a convincing 60-run victory over hosts Pakistan in the tournament opener at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, February 20. Centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham set up the BlackCaps’ for a strong total, which proved too much for the Men in Green to chase down.

Coming into the tournament with confidence, New Zealand were eager to begin on a high note, while Pakistan, under Mohammad Rizwan, were aiming to capitalise on home advantage. But it was not to be even as the toss went in Pakistan's favour. Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to make early inroads with a lethal pace attack. The side welcomed back Haris Rauf after injury, while New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner decided to include Matt Henry in the playing XI, leaving out Rachin Ravindra.

The Black Caps, however, lost Devon Conway (10) and Kane Williamson (1) in under 10 overs, as the side's innings was stabilised by a brilliant knock from Will Young. The opener, who may not have played if Rachin Ravindra was fit, made full use of his opportunity and struck an impressive 107 off 113 balls. Young shared a crucial 118-run partnership with Latham, ensuring New Zealand recovered from their shaky start.

Latham carried on the momentum and played the anchor role before accelerating towards the end. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed an unbeaten 118 off 104 balls, guiding the former champions past the 300-run mark. Glenn Phillips added 61 off 39 balls, eventually pushing the team’s total as they finished at 320/5 in 50 overs. For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf were picked two wickets each, with the entire attack struggling to contain the flow of runs.

Also Read: WATCH - Champions Trophy 2025: Glenn Phillips' gravity-defying stunner sends Mohammad Rizwan packing

In reply, the hosts needed a solid start, but their innings never found the momentum required. Early wickets hurt their chances, with Saud Shakeel (6) and skipper Mohammad Rizwan (3) departing cheaply. Babar Azam tried keeping his side in the contest with a 64 off 90 balls, making it his slowest fifty in ODIs. 

Khushdil Shah was the only other batter who put up a fight, scoring a fiery 69 off 49 balls, including 10 boundaries and a six. However, Shah and Rauf entertained the fans with a few big hits before the team was bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.

For New Zealand, Will O’Rourke picked up three wickets, while Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner also picked up two wickets each. With this win, the BlackCaps have registered two points to their tally.

Here are the top and funniest memes from Pakistan vs New Zealand, Match 1: