**Why Pakistan Lost Their Opening Match in the Champions Trophy 2025: An Analytical Review**  



The first match of the Champions Trophy 2025, featuring Pakistan against New Zealand, was a gripping contest that kept fans captivated. Nonetheless, it turned out to be a disappointing outing for Pakistan as they fell short by 28 runs while chasing a daunting target of 316. Despite some exceptional performances, particularly from skipper Babar Azam, the Men in Green could not secure a victory. So, where did Pakistan falter in their inaugural match of the tournament? Let’s delve into the details.  


1. Top-Order Failure: A Recurring Theme  

Pakistan’s batting troubles at the top order re-emerged at a crucial moment. Confronted by a strong New Zealand bowling unit spearheaded by Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, the Pakistani openers struggled to settle in. Boult’s swing and Ferguson’s sheer pace were too challenging to navigate, leading to both openers being dismissed early, within the first six overs. This early collapse exerted significant pressure on the middle order, forcing them into a reactive position for the remainder of the innings.  


Although Babar Azam’s outstanding century kept Pakistan’s hopes alive, the lack of adequate support from the other batsmen was evident. The early top-order collapse meant that the middle order had to focus on rebuilding rather than capitalizing on a solid start. In contemporary cricket, a strong opening is vital, and this failure deeply affected Pakistan’s chances.  


2. Dependence on Babar Azam  

Babar Azam once again showcased why he ranks among the finest batsmen globally, scoring an impressive 112 off 110 balls. His innings was a testament to skill, placement, and maintaining composure under pressure. However, cricket is a collective sport, and one individual cannot single-handedly secure victories. Regrettably for Pakistan, Babar’s extraordinary performance fell short of making a significant impact.  


The middle order, featuring players like Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman, failed to build on their promising starts. Rizwan’s wicket at a critical moment, followed by several dismissals in the middle overs, hindered Pakistan’s pursuit. The absence of partnerships left Babar with an overwhelming task, and once he was out, the chase crumbled.  


3. Bowling Irregularities  

While the struggles in Pakistan’s batting lineup were clear, their bowling display was also lacking. With a talented attack that included Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Shadab Khan, the bowlers were unable to restrict New Zealand’s batsmen during the death overs. The Kiwis amassed 95 runs in the final 10 overs, which ultimately made the difference between the two sides.  


Shaheen Afridi, who is typically Pakistan’s primary bowler in critical moments, had an off match, conceding runs at an economy rate exceeding 6.5. Although Haris Rauf secured two wickets, he was also expensive, and the spin bowlers failed to exert sufficient pressure during the middle overs. In a high-scoring matchup, every run counts, and Pakistan’s bowlers could not perform when it was most crucial.4. Fielding Errors: An Ongoing Concern  

Pakistan's fielding has frequently been a source of worry, and it once again took center stage in this match. Missed catches, errors in the field, and neglected run-out chances cost the team crucial runs and crucial momentum. In a game where mistakes can be costly, these errors could separate winning from losing.  


For example, a missed catch of Kane Williamson early in his innings turned out to be significant, as the New Zealand captain went on to make a match-changing 85. Furthermore, some errors in the outfield allowed the Kiwis to score additional runs, which ultimately accumulated to impact the game. If Pakistan hopes to recover in the tournament, they must quickly resolve their fielding problems.  



5. Strategic Errors  

The decisions made by Pakistan's team management and captain were also called into question. Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss raised concerns, particularly in light of the dew factor in Kolkata, which often makes chasing totals less challenging at night. Although the pitch conditions did not vary greatly, the burden of chasing a large score seemed to affect the batsmen significantly.  


Moreover, the choice of bowlers during the death overs was debatable. Haris Rauf, who has had difficulties with his yorkers previously, was given the critical responsibility of bowling the final overs, and he was hit for runs. An experienced bowler like Shaheen Afridi might have been a more suitable choice for those moments.