New Zealand registered a commanding 60-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday. The high-scoring match sparked a wave of funny memes and jokes across social media. Fans took to platforms like X to share their reactions to Pakistan’s defeat.
Batting first after Pakistan won the toss, New Zealand posted a strong total of 320/5 in 50 overs. Will Young led the charge with a well-crafted 107, while Tom Latham remained unbeaten on 118. Glenn Phillips added a quickfire 61 off 39 balls, helping New Zealand set a daunting target.
Pakistan struggled in the chase as Babar Azam played a slow knock of 64 off 90 balls, drawing criticism for his strike rate. While Khushdil Shah fought back with an aggressive 69, the lack of intent from other batters hurt Pakistan’s chances. Salman Agha played a brisk knock of 42 off 28 balls, but Pakistan was bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
For New Zealand, Will O’Rourke was the standout bowler, taking 3/47. Naseem Shah claimed two wickets for Pakistan but conceded 63 runs.
Following the match, social media was flooded with memes, with many fans mocking Babar Azam’s slow innings and Pakistan’s batting collapse.