In what was a surprising turn of events during the Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan faced a disheartening defeat against New Zealand. The team, struggling to assert itself, lost the opening match by a significant margin of 60 runs. As New Zealand set a hefty target of 320 runs, Pakistan managed to score only 260 runs. Following this defeat, criticism poured in from fans and former players alike. In a shocking revelation, former captain Rashid Latif pointed to an unexpected culprit behind the team’s failure: the ceiling fans in Karachi. This article explores the factors behind Pakistan’s loss and insights from Rashid Latif’s assessment.
The Impact of Karachi’s Ceiling Fans on Pakistan’s Performance
During a special segment on Geo News, Rashid Latif shared that while the Pakistani team displayed poor performance, the pitch conditions in Karachi also played a critical role. Typically, the Karachi pitch is known to be easier for the team batting second. However, during the match against New Zealand, the opposite was observed. Latif explained that in the two days leading up to the match, ceiling fans were used excessively on the pitch, affecting its condition adversely. This alteration diminished the pitch’s sheen, thereby aiding spinners and creating a challenging situation for the Pakistani batsmen.
New Zealand’s Spin Bowlers Dominate the Game
Latif’s insights resonate with the outcome, as New Zealand’s spin bowlers showcased their prowess throughout the match. Michael Bracewell bowled impressively, conceding only 38 runs in his 10 overs while claiming one wicket. Captain Mitchell Santner was even more effective, taking three crucial wickets for 66 runs in his 10-over spell. Additionally, Glenn Phillips applied pressure in the middle overs with a series of dot balls, leading to an ultimately comfortable victory for New Zealand.
The Role of Weather Conditions in the Match
The weather in Karachi also posed challenges for Pakistan. On the match day, the dew factor was exceptionally low, which stands in stark contrast to their previous match against South Africa, where they successfully chased a score exceeding 350 runs with a more substantial dew factor aiding their efforts. This discrepancy played a role in the team’s struggle against New Zealand. Overall, it was not just the poor batting strategy and the players’ inability to score quickly, but also the climatic and pitch conditions that conspired against Pakistan in this crucial match.