Former Pakistan batter Rashid Latif criticised former captain Babar Azam for his approach in the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand in Karachi as the hosts suffered a 60-run defeat on ICC tournament's return in the country after 1996.

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.