• Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah sent back New Zealand batter Kane Williamson for just 1 run.

  • Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first in the first match of Champions Trophy 2025.

PAK vs NZ [WATCH]: Naseem Shah’s pumped up celebration after dismissing Kane Williamson in Champions Trophy 2025
Naseem Shah's pumped up celebration after dismissing Kane Williamson (PC: X)

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In the opening clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan are facing New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. The home team’s fans got to witness an energetic celebration when Pakistan’s fast bowler Naseem Shah dismissed former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson for just one run.

Early momentum shift

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off early as they sought to capitalize on the overcast conditions. New Zealand started confidently, with Will Young and Devon Conway handling the new ball effectively. However, the introduction of spin in the sixth over by Abrar Ahmed changed the game’s dynamics. Ahmed’s spell contained the run flow and led to Conway’s dismissal for 10 runs.

Just two deliveries later, Williamson came to the crease, looking to anchor the innings. Unfortunately for him, Naseem Shah had other plans. In the eighth over, Shah bowled a superb delivery that pitched on a good length and angled in towards off stump. As Williamson attempted to play defensively, the ball straightened at the last moment, catching the outside edge and flying to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who completed a fine catch.

A celebratory moment

Naseem’s celebration was electric. He ran around in circles, pumping his fists in elation as he celebrated this crucial wicket that reduced New Zealand to 40 for 2. The atmosphere in the stadium erupted with cheers from Pakistani fans, who were eager to see their team gain momentum after recent losses to New Zealand in the tri-series just days before.

Also WATCH: Fakhar Zaman’s agonizing injury scare mars Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand

This wicket was significant not only for its immediate impact on the match but also because it marked Williamson’s first single-digit score in ODIs since January 2019 – a remarkable streak of 34 innings without such a dismissal. The last time Williamson had fallen for less than ten runs was against Sri Lanka during a home series in 2019.

Here’s the video:

With Williamson gone, New Zealand have to fight to regain their footing. The Black Caps were sitting at 98 for 3 after 22 overs, with Will Young holding firm at 65 runs off 73 balls alongside Tom Latham, who had contributed just nine runs after facing 16 deliveries.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025 – Fans express frustration over empty stands in Karachi for PAK vs NZ opening game

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ANIRUDH SINGH
Anirudh is the Head of Content at CricketTimes.com. He is a seasoned journalist and content writer with 12 years of experience in the field of cricket. With over 9,000 published articles under his belt, Anirudh brings a creative and strategic approach to his work, always striving to deliver content that resonates with audiences. A die-hard sports fan who loves playing, watching and talking about cricket. Cricket is his Religion & 'Sachin Tendulkar' his GOD. His motto of life is Eat, Sleep, Cricket, REPEAT!! You can write to him at anirudh@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.