PAK vs NZ [WATCH]: Abrar Ahmed outfoxes Devon Conway with a wrong’un in Champions Trophy 2025

Table of Contents

Mohammad Rizwan’s dew-driven gamble
Abrar Ahmed’s magical wrong’un shatters Devon Conway’s stumps
- Here’s the video
Fakhar Zaman’s injury woes
New Zealand’s early collapse: Kane Williamson returns to pavillion

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 roared to life on February 19 at Karachi’s National Stadium, where Pakistan and New Zealand are locking horns in a high-stakes opener. With Pakistan hosting an ICC event for the first time since 1996, the pressure is on the defending champions to deliver. Captain Mohammad Rizwan’s decision to bowl first, banking on dew factors later, set the stage for a dramatic start. The spotlight, however, belonged to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, whose wizardry dismantled New Zealand’s top-order batter Devon Conway.

Mohammad Rizwan’s dew-driven gamble

Pakistan’s choice to field first was rooted in strategy. Rizwan emphasized exploiting evening dew to ease chasing, a plan validated by recent matches at the venue. New Zealand’s skipper Mitchell Santner remained unfazed, vowing to post a competitive total. The Black Caps, fresh from a tri-series triumph in Pakistan, aimed to leverage their familiarity with Karachi’s batting-friendly pitch. Yet, Abrar’s arrival in the eighth over turned the tide irreversibly.

Abrar Ahmed’s magical wrong’un shatters Devon Conway’s stumps

Abrar’s reputation as a mystery spinner was on full display when he faced Devon Conway. In the 8^th over, he unleashed his wrong’un, a delivery that skidded straight instead of turning. Conway, anticipating spin, planted his weight on the back foot, only to watch the ball defy expectations. It jagged off the pitch, sneaking past his defensive stroke to clatter the off stump. Conway’s 17-ball struggle ended at 10 runs, leaving New Zealand at 39/1.

Abrar’s reaction was as theatrical as his delivery. Clasping his hands in a mock-prayer pose, he stared at Conway, almost mocking the batter’s misread. Teammates swarmed him, electrifying a crowd already buzzing from a pre-match air show. This celebration, a blend of confidence and flair, symbolized Pakistan’s aggressive intent.

Here’s the video:

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

Fakhar Zaman’s injury woes

Pakistan’s joy was tempered by Fakhar Zaman’s early injury. While chasing a boundary in the first over, the opener pulled his hamstring, collapsing in pain. He exited the field, replaced by Kamran Ghulam, casting doubt on his tournament participation. The incident underscored the physical toll of high-octane cricket.

New Zealand’s early collapse: Kane Williamson returns to pavillion

The Kiwis’ woes deepened just four balls later. Naseem Shah, Pakistan’s pace spearhead, delivered a back-of-length gem that lured Kane Williamson into a tentative push. The ball nipped away, kissing the edge en route to Rizwan’s gloves. Williamson, New Zealand’s linchpin, trudged back for 1, reducing the visitors to 40/2.