Calling Pakistan’s Champions Trophy performance “disappointing”, former pacer Shoaib Akhtar said the team is playing a “different kind of cricket, not the ones other teams are playing”.

Earlier, after opting to bowl first, Pakistan’s attack lacked penetration against a well-organized New Zealand lineup. Naseem Shah removed Kane Williamson cheaply, and Haris Rauf dismissed Daryl Mitchell, but the visitors recovered through Will Young (107 off 113) and Tom Latham (118* off 104), who stitched together a vital 118-run partnership.

Babar Azam and Pakistan cricket team’s ’lack of intent’ was questioned once again after their loss to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025. Legendary Waqar Younis said Babar Azam’s slow-paced fifty will cost Pakistan more games than it will win.

Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has slammed Babar Azam for letting the nation down. Babar, who batted as an opener for Pakistan scored a scratchy 90-ball 64 as defending champions and hosts succumbed to a 60-run loss in the opening match of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand at National Stadium in Karachi.

Pakistan cricket team's star batter Babar Azam has expressed confidence in his team's ability during the Champions Trophy.

Cheteshwar Pujara hammered Babar Azam for a poor approach in Pakistan's opening loss to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.