Pakistan’s 29-year wait to host a major International Cricket Council tournament ended Wednesday when it won the toss and elected to field in the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand in Karachi.

New Zealand underlined their title aspirations with a 60-run victory against defending champions Pakistan in a Group A match of the Champions Trophy at the National Stadium on Wednesday. Will Young struck 107 and Tom Latham smashed an unbeaten 118 to help New Zealand overcome a sluggish start and post a commanding 320-5 after being put into bat.

India has refused to play its Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, which is hosting its first major global tournament in almost 30 years.

Pakistan will showcase its newly upgraded stadium at Lahore when it takes on New Zealand in the opening game Saturday of a tri-series cricket tournament, which also involves an understrength South Africa.

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to an oblique tear, delivering the defending champions a big blow in their quest to retain the prestigious title. The news was confirmed by the ICC on February 20 (Thursday) after the left-handed batter sustained the injury while fielding during Pakistan's opening match against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February

New Zealand won by 60 runs in the group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy against Pakistan on Wednesday, Feb. 19 in Karachi, Pakistan.Read More: 30 Days, 30 Deeds: The Ultimate Ramadan Kindness Challenge Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first at the National Bank Stadium.