New Zealand Secure Two-Wicket Win Over Afghanistan in Final ICC Champions Trophy Warm-Up

New Zealand pulled off a stunning run chase to defeat Afghanistan by two wickets in their final ICC Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up match at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Afghanistan, batting first, posted a competitive 305-9, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brilliant 110 off 107 balls and a steady 52 from Sediqullah Atal. Contributions from Hashmat Shahidi (40) and Ibrahim Zadran (32) helped set a challenging target.

Despite losing early wickets and struggling at 152-5 in the 30th over, the Kiwis bounced back. Devon Conway (66) and Glenn Phillips (46) played crucial knocks before retiring out to allow other batters valuable game time.

Daryl Mitchell, ranked seventh in ICC ODI batting rankings, proved to be the match-winner, forging an unbeaten 74-run partnership with Matt Henry for the ninth wicket. Mitchell’s 36 off 25 balls and Henry’s 31 off 20 sealed the victory with 13 balls to spare.

On the bowling front, Rashid Khan was Afghanistan’s key weapon, taking two wickets, while Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, and Henry claimed two wickets each for New Zealand.

With this victory, New Zealand gains momentum ahead of their Champions Trophy opener against hosts Pakistan on Wednesday. The tournament, considered the second most prestigious ODI event after the World Cup, runs until March 9, marking Pakistan’s first major ICC event in nearly 30 years.