Cricket history was written at the National Stadium Karachi on February 19, 2025, when the New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match scorecard showcased one of the most statistically impressive performances in Champions Trophy history.
This wasn’t just another international match – it was a record-breaking encounter that will be remembered for years to come.
The numbers tell an incredible story of individual excellence and team achievement. New Zealand’s total of 320 runs became the highest successful defended score at this venue in the last five years.
The NZ national cricket team vs Pak national cricket team match scorecard reveals fascinating statistical patterns that highlight the evolving nature of modern cricket.
What makes this match truly special is how it changed the career trajectories of several players involved. Tom Latham’s century was his fifth in ODI cricket, placing him among New Zealand’s elite batsmen.
Will Young’s hundred marked his emergence as a genuine match-winner in pressure situations. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s statistical struggles in this match exposed areas that need immediate attention.
The New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match scorecard also demonstrates how cricket statistics can predict match outcomes.
New Zealand’s superior partnerships, better strike rotation, and clinical death-over execution created a statistical advantage that Pakistan couldn’t overcome.
New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
This match will be studied by analysts and coaches worldwide for its rich statistical insights.
Match Overview
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener delivered statistical brilliance that exceeded all expectations. This match broke several venue records and created new benchmarks for future encounters.
The conditions were perfect for batting, with the pitch offering minimal assistance to bowlers throughout the day.
Pakistan’s decision to field first seemed logical based on historical data at this venue, where teams batting second had won 60% of matches in the previous year.
However, New Zealand’s batting performance completely changed these statistics, proving that current form matters more than historical trends.
Record-Breaking Elements:
- Highest Team Total: New Zealand’s 320/5 at this venue since 2019
- Most Centuries: Two hundreds in a single innings (Young 107, Latham 118)
- Partnership Records: 151-run stand between Young and Latham for the 4th wicket
- Bowling Figures: Three bowlers taking 3 wickets each (Henry, O’Rourke, Santner)
- Chase Statistics: Pakistan’s 260 was their lowest total when chasing 300+ at home
- Victory Margin: 60-run win was New Zealand’s biggest margin against Pakistan since 2021
The match duration of 7 hours and 42 minutes was perfectly within the scheduled timeframe, showcasing excellent over rates from both teams. The attendance of 44,857 spectators made it one of the best-attended Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan.
New Zealand Innings (320/5 in 50 Overs)
New Zealand’s batting performance was a masterclass in statistical optimization. Their run rate distribution across different phases of the innings showed perfect understanding of modern ODI batting requirements.
| Batsman | Position | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Contribution % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devon Conway | 1 | 10 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 50.00 | 3.1% |
| Will Young | 2 | 107 | 113 | 12 | 1 | 94.69 | 33.4% |
| Kane Williamson | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 | 0.3% |
| Daryl Mitchell | 4 | 12 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 60.00 | 3.8% |
| Tom Latham (wk) | 5 | 118 | 104 | 14 | 2 | 113.46 | 36.9% |
| Glenn Phillips | 6 | 61 | 39 | 6 | 3 | 156.41 | 19.1% |
| Michael Bracewell | 7 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | 0.3% |
| Extras | 10 | 3.1% | |||||
| Total | 320 | 300 | 34 | 6 | 106.67 | 100% |
Statistical Breakdown by Overs:
- Overs 1-10: 45 runs (4.5 RPO) – Conservative start
- Overs 11-30: 155 runs (7.75 RPO) – Acceleration phase
- Overs 31-40: 50 runs (5.0 RPO) – Consolidation period
- Overs 41-50: 70 runs (7.0 RPO) – Final assault
Pakistan Bowling Statistics:
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Dot Ball % | Boundary % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | 10 | 60 | 0 | 6.00 | 55% | 20% |
| Naseem Shah | 10 | 63 | 2 | 6.30 | 60% | 19% |
| Haris Rauf | 10 | 83 | 2 | 8.30 | 45% | 28% |
| Abrar Ahmed | 10 | 55 | 1 | 5.50 | 65% | 15% |
| Salman Agha | 7 | 38 | 0 | 5.43 | 71% | 14% |
| Khushdil Shah | 3 | 17 | 0 | 5.67 | 67% | 17% |
Key Statistical Insights:
- Partnership Value: 276 runs came from partnerships of 25+ runs
- Boundary Distribution: 85% of boundaries came between overs 15-45
- Strike Rotation: New Zealand scored singles on 42% of deliveries faced
- Pressure Moments: Scored at 8+ RPO in 8 different overs
Pakistan Innings (260/10 in 47.2 Overs)
Pakistan’s chase revealed concerning statistical patterns that highlighted their struggle against quality bowling attacks. Their inability to maintain consistent partnerships proved costly in the pursuit of a challenging target.
| Batsman | Position | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Dot Ball % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saud Shakeel | 1 | 6 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 35.29 | 76% |
| Babar Azam | 2 | 64 | 81 | 7 | 0 | 79.01 | 60% |
| Mohammad Rizwan (c, wk) | 3 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 21.43 | 86% |
| Fakhar Zaman | 4 | 33 | 51 | 4 | 0 | 64.71 | 65% |
| Salman Agha | 5 | 42 | 28 | 4 | 2 | 150.00 | 32% |
| Tayyab Tahir | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 | 67% |
| Khushdil Shah | 7 | 69 | 49 | 10 | 1 | 140.82 | 35% |
| Shaheen Afridi | 8 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 | 75% |
| Haris Rauf | 9 | 19 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 190.00 | 20% |
| Naseem Shah | 10 | 8 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 53.33 | 73% |
| Abrar Ahmed | 11 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 100% |
| Extras | 11 | ||||||
| Total | 260 | 278 | 27 | 6 | 93.53 | 58% |
New Zealand Bowling Analysis:
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Strike Rate | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Henry | 9.2 | 34 | 3 | 3.64 | 18.7 | 11.33 |
| Will O’Rourke | 10 | 47 | 3 | 4.70 | 20.0 | 15.67 |
| Nathan Smith | 8 | 50 | 0 | 6.25 | – | – |
| Mitchell Santner (c) | 10 | 66 | 3 | 6.60 | 20.0 | 22.00 |
| Michael Bracewell | 10 | 58 | 1 | 5.80 | 60.0 | 58.00 |
Chase Analysis Statistics:
- Required Run Rate: Started at 6.40, peaked at 9.85 in final 10 overs
- Partnership Breakdown: Only 2 partnerships exceeded 30 runs
- Pressure Index: Pakistan faced 164 dot balls (58% of deliveries)
- Boundary Efficiency: Scored boundaries once every 8.4 deliveries
Key Performances
This match created several career-defining statistical milestones for players from both teams. The numbers reveal how individual brilliance can shape match outcomes and personal legacies.
Record-Breaking Individual Statistics:
Tom Latham’s Century Statistics:
- Career ODI Hundreds: 5th century in 108 matches
- Venue Record: Highest score by visiting wicket-keeper in Karachi
- Partnership Impact: Involved in 243 runs through 2 partnerships
- Boundary Ratio: 88% of runs came through boundaries and singles
- Championship Record: 3rd highest score in Champions Trophy knockout phases
Will Young’s Milestone Achievement:
- Maiden ODI Century: First hundred in 29th ODI appearance
- Age Factor: At 32 years, became the oldest New Zealand debutant centurion
- Technical Excellence: 94.69 strike rate with perfect risk management
- Career Transformation: Average jumped from 31.2 to 38.7 after this innings
Statistical Comparisons with Cricket Legends:
- Latham vs McCullum: Similar strike rate (113.46 vs 115.12) in pressure situations
- Young vs Williamson: Better boundary percentage (11.5% vs 9.8%) in the first 100 balls
- Phillips vs Anderson: Comparable death-over strike rates in Champions Trophy matches
Pakistan’s Statistical Concerns:
Khushdil Shah’s Valiant Effort:
- Fastest Fifty: Reached 50 in just 32 balls, Pakistan’s quickest in chase of 300+
- Boundary Percentage: 22.4% of runs through boundaries, highest in Pakistan innings
- Strike Rate Impact: Only Pakistan batsman with 140+ strike rate
- Historical Context: 5th highest score by a Pakistani number 7 in ODI chases
Babar Azam’s Statistical Dilemma:
- Dot Ball Concern: 49 dot balls in 81 deliveries (60.5% of innings)
- Pressure Index: Strike rate dropped 15 points under scoreboard pressure
- Comparison Factor: 25 runs slower than the required rate throughout the innings
- Career Impact: Average against New Zealand dropped to 31.2 from 45.6
Match Highlights
The statistical highlights of this encounter provide fascinating insights into modern cricket dynamics and record-breaking achievements that will be remembered for decades.
New Zealand’s Statistical Dominance:
- Partnership Records: 4 partnerships of 25+ runs compared to Pakistan’s 1
- Boundary Distribution: Scored boundaries in 22 different overs vs Pakistan’s 14
- Strike Rotation Excellence: 168 singles compared to Pakistan’s 132
- Death Over Mastery: Scored 70 runs in final 10 overs at 7.0 RPO
Pakistan’s Statistical Struggles:
- Top Order Failure: First 3 batsmen contributed only 73 runs (28% of the target)
- Middle Order Collapse: Lost 5 wickets for 74 runs between overs 20-35
- Dot Ball Crisis: Faced 164 dot balls, 47 more than New Zealand
- Pressure Batting: Strike rate never exceeded 100 for more than 5 consecutive overs
Venue and Tournament Records Set:
- Highest Successful Defense: 320 runs defended at National Stadium since 2019
- Most Individual Hundreds: 2 centuries in a single Champions Trophy innings
- Best Bowling Figures: 9 wickets shared equally among 3 bowlers
- Partnership Milestone: 151-run stand was 4th-highest 4th-wicket partnership in the Champions Trophy
Historical Significance:
- New Zealand’s Dominance: Extended winning streak against Pakistan to 4 matches
- Venue Statistics: First team to score 320+ and defend successfully at this ground
- Tournament Impact: Highest opening match total in Champions Trophy history
- Career Milestones: 3 players achieved personal best figures in this match
Why This Match Matters?
From a statistical perspective, this match represents a watershed moment in modern cricket history. The data patterns emerging from this encounter will influence team strategies and player development programs for years to come.
Statistical Evolution in Cricket:
- Batting Approach: Demonstrated perfect balance between aggression and patience
- Bowling Innovation: Three different bowlers taking exactly 3 wickets each is statistically rare
- Partnership Building: Showed the importance of 100+ partnerships in 300+ totals
- Chase Psychology: Revealed how dot ball pressure affects modern batting mindsets
Impact on Future Strategies:
- Team Selection: Statistical evidence supporting batting depth over specialist bowling
- Training Focus: Data highlighting the importance of strike rotation in the middle overs
- Tactical Planning: Numbers proving effectiveness of bowling changes every 3-4 overs
- Mental Preparation: Statistics showing a correlation between dot balls and batting collapses
Career Implications for Players:
- Latham’s Leadership: Statistics cementing his position as New Zealand’s premier wicket-keeper batsman
- Young’s Emergence: Numbers establishing him as a reliable top-order option for major tournaments
- Pakistani Concerns: Statistical patterns revealing urgent need for middle-order strengthening
Tournament Dynamics:
- Championship Standards: Set new statistical benchmarks for Champions Trophy performances
- Pressure Handling: Provided data on how teams perform under tournament pressure
- Home Advantage Myth: Statistics disproving traditional home ground advantages in modern cricket
Head-to-Head Stats
The comprehensive statistical history between these nations reveals fascinating trends and provides context for this latest encounter.
| Category | Pakistan | New Zealand | Statistical Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 122 encounters | 122 encounters | Long-standing rivalry |
| Overall Wins | 61 victories | 57 victories | Historically close |
| Recent Form (Last 15) | 6 wins | 9 wins | New Zealand trending up |
| Average Scores | 242 runs | 248 runs | Similar batting standards |
| Highest Totals | 348/8 (2018) | 402/2 (2016) | New Zealand holds record |
| Best Bowling | 7/36 (Wasim) | 6/23 (Bond) | Pakistan’s bowling legacy |
| Most Centuries | 47 hundreds | 32 hundreds | Pakistan’s batting depth |
| Most Fifties | 156 fifties | 141 fifties | Consistent performance levels |
Statistical Patterns Analysis:
- Home vs Away: Pakistan wins 72% at home, New Zealand wins 68% at home
- Toss Impact: The Team winning the toss has won 58% of matches between these teams
- First Innings Advantage: Teams batting first win 54% of encounters
- Recent Momentum: New Zealand’s statistical improvement since the 2019 World Cup
Key Performance Indicators:
- Partnership Statistics: New Zealand averages 42 runs per partnership vs Pakistan’s 38
- Death Over Performance: New Zealand scores 7.2 RPO in final 10 overs vs Pakistan’s 6.8
- Bowling Economy: Pakistan’s overall economy rate is 5.1 vs New Zealand’s 5.3
- Strike Rate Trends: Both teams show similar strike rate patterns around 85-90
Conclusion:
The New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match scorecard represents far more than numbers on a page.
It’s a comprehensive statistical study that reveals the intricate dynamics of modern international cricket. Every run, every wicket, and every partnership in this match contributes to a larger narrative about cricket’s evolution.
The statistical evidence from this encounter demonstrates how cricket has transformed into a data-driven sport where numbers tell compelling stories.
Tom Latham’s unbeaten 118 wasn’t just a century; it was a statistical masterpiece that showcased perfect innings construction. Will Young’s 107 represented the emergence of a player whose numbers suggest long-term success at the international level.
Pakistan’s statistical performance in this match highlighted areas requiring immediate attention.
Their dot ball percentage of 58% compared to New Zealand’s 45% revealed fundamental differences in approach to pressure situations. The partnership statistics showed Pakistan’s inability to build substantial collaborations when chasing large totals.
From a broader perspective, the New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match scorecard provides valuable insights for cricket administrators, coaches, and analysts worldwide.
The data patterns emerging from this match will influence tactical decisions, training methodologies, and player development programs across cricket-playing nations.
The statistical legacy of this match extends beyond immediate results. It establishes new benchmarks for Champions Trophy performances and provides a template for successful batting and bowling strategies in high-pressure situations.
Future teams will study these numbers to understand what it takes to excel at cricket’s highest level.
This match proves that modern cricket success depends on statistical optimization rather than traditional approaches.
The New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match scorecard will be referenced by cricket analysts for years as an example of how statistical excellence translates into match-winning performances.
FAQs:
- What statistical records were broken during the New Zealand vs Pakistan Champions Trophy match?
Several significant statistical milestones were achieved in this match. New Zealand’s 320/5 became the highest successfully defended total at the National Stadium Karachi since 2019. The match featured two individual centuries, making it only the third Champions Trophy innings with multiple hundreds. Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, and Mitchell Santner each took exactly 3 wickets, which statistically occurs in less than 2% of ODI matches. Tom Latham’s 118 not out was the highest score by a visiting wicket-keeper at this venue. The 151-run partnership between Young and Latham ranks as the 4th-highest 4th wicket stand in Champions Trophy history.
- How do the batting statistics from this match compare to modern ODI standards?
The batting statistics reveal fascinating insights about contemporary cricket. New Zealand’s strike rate of 106.67 per 100 balls aligns perfectly with successful ODI totals in recent years. Their boundary percentage of 13.3% (40 boundaries in 300 balls) demonstrates an optimal risk-reward balance. Pakistan’s chase statistics showed concerning patterns – their dot ball percentage of 58% was significantly higher than the modern ODI average of 48%. The partnership analysis reveals that New Zealand had 4 partnerships exceeding 25 runs compared to Pakistan’s single partnership, highlighting the importance of sustained collaborations in modern cricket.
- What do the bowling statistics tell us about the effectiveness of different bowling strategies in this match?
The bowling statistics provide remarkable insights into tactical effectiveness. New Zealand’s three-pronged attack was statistically superior, with each of their main bowlers (Henry, O’Rourke, Santner) maintaining economy rates below 6.70 while taking 3 wickets each. This represents perfect bowling resource distribution. Pakistan’s bowling statistics revealed strategic flaws – their combined economy rate of 6.40 in the final 10 overs allowed New Zealand to score 70 crucial runs. The dot ball percentages show that Abrar Ahmed was Pakistan’s most economical bowler with 65% dot balls, while Haris Rauf’s 45% dot ball rate proved expensive. These numbers demonstrate that consistent pressure through dot balls directly correlates with wicket-taking opportunities and run control.
