Pakistan has recorded the lowest power-play score against New Zealand which is the lowest by a full-member nation since 2024 during their opening clash in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Their side added only 22 runs in the first 10 overs where only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Pakistan registered a lowest of 19 runs in the powerplay against England at home, but it was played in Abu Dhabi.
William O Rourke picked the wickets of Saud Shakeel (6) and Mohammed Rizwan (3) within the powerplay While Babar Azam was at the crease with 12 runs.
Saud Shakeel who opened for Pakistan along with Babar Azam dismissed on the fourth over of their innings. on a short length and outside off-stump delivery, Shakeel got edged and the ball went into the way of the third man where Matt Henry took the catch.
However, captain Mohammed Rizwan came to bat and joined the star batter aiming to forge a good partnership at Karachi. But he was also dismissed cheaply by O’Rourke which made Fakhar Zaman come to bat.
Pakistan are 66-2 in 20 overs with @babarazam258 and @FakharZamanLive batting in the middle 🏏#PAKvNZ | #ChampionsTrophy | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/TOo7IqwGH2
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 19, 2025
Afghanistan scored only 22 runs losing two wickets during the match against South Africa during the first match of the three match ODI series.
Meanwhile Sri Lanka who registered 23/4 against New Zealand also one of the lowest pp scores by ICC full member nation.
Lowest PP scores by Full Member Squad since 2024
- 22/2 – AFG vs SA, Sharjah, 2024
- 22/2 – PAK vs NZ, Karachi, 2025
- 23/4 – SL vs NZ, Wellington, 2025
Earlier, Pakistan opted to bowl first, where New Zealand posted a total of 320 powered by the centuries of Will Young and Tom Latham.
Glenn Phillips’s 61 off 39 deliveries made its contribution to New Zealand’s mammoth score. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf picked two wickets each for the side while Abrar Ahmed scalped one.
