Pakistan’s Haris Rauf endured a debut to forget in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, setting an unwanted record against New Zealand. The pacer delivered the most expensive spell by a Pakistani bowler in the tournament’s history, conceding 83 runs in 10 overs.
- Haris Rauf recorded Pakistan’s most expensive spell in Champions Trophy history.
- New Zealand posted a commanding 320/5 in 50 overs.
- Pakistan’s bowlers struggled, with Shaheen Afridi going wicketless.
Haris Rauf’s Expensive Spell Hurts Pakistan
New Zealand capitalized on Rauf’s poor form, scoring freely against his express pace. The right-arm bowler dismissed Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, but his economy rate of 8.30 proved costly. Pakistan’s decision to bowl first backfired as New Zealand batters dominated.
Pakistan’s Most Expensive Spells in Champions Trophy
| Players | Runs | Wickets | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haris Rauf | 83 | 2 | 8.30 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | 68 | 0 | 6.80 |
| Yasir Arafat | 33 | 1 | 6.60 |
| Naseem Shah | 63 | 2 | 6.30 |
| Wahab Riaz | 99 | 3 | 6.28 |
New Zealand’s Batting Dominance
New Zealand’s innings was powered by Will Young’s century (107 off 113 balls). He built a crucial partnership with Tom Latham, who remained unbeaten on 118 runs. Their steady approach and acceleration in the final overs left Pakistan chasing 321.
Pakistan’s Struggles with the Ball
Pakistan’s bowling unit lacked control, with only Naseem Shah (2/63) and Abrar Ahmed (1/47) making an impact. Shaheen Afridi, expected to lead the attack, went wicketless. Pakistan’s bowlers failed to contain New Zealand’s aggression, putting their batters under pressure.
Pakistan’s Challenge in the Chase
With a massive target of 321, Pakistan’s batters face an uphill battle. New Zealand’s bowling attack, featuring Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Mitchell Santner, poses a tough challenge. Pakistan will need solid partnerships and a strong start from their openers.
Can Pakistan Recover in the Champions Trophy?
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener has exposed Pakistan’s weaknesses. If they fail to improve, progressing in the tournament will be difficult. Pakistan’s top order must step up, or they risk an early exit.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
Pakistan’s focus must be on correcting their bowling flaws and ensuring their batting lineup fires. The team needs a strategy to counter world-class attacks. Their journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is far from over, but improvement is necessary.
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
