Massive Defeat To Pakistan in Champions Trophy Opener Against New Zealand
New Zealand Outclass Pakistan by 60 Runs in Champions Trophy Opener
KARACHI: Centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, followed by a disciplined bowling performance, propelled New Zealand to a commanding 60-run win over Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a challenging 321-run target, Pakistan managed only 260 before being bowled out in the 48th over, despite fighting half-centuries from Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah.
The home side endured a dreadful start, slumping to 22/2 in 10 overs as skipper Mohammad Rizwan (3) and Saud Shakeel (6) departed cheaply.
Fakhar Zaman then joined Babar Azam in an attempt to stabilize the innings, but their partnership lasted only 47 runs before Fakhar fell to Michael Bracewell in the 21st over after scoring 24 off 41 balls, including four boundaries.
Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha provided some resistance with an aggressive 42-run cameo but was dismissed by Nathan Smith in the 31st over. Pakistan then suffered further setbacks, losing two quick wickets, including the prized scalp of Babar Azam, slipping to 153/6 in 34 overs.
Babar played a patient knock of 64 off 90 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six.
Khushdil Shah, batting at number seven, launched a counterattack against the New Zealand bowlers, smashing 10 fours and a six in a quickfire 69 off 49 balls. However, his dismissal in the 44th over by Will O’Rourke left Pakistan with little hope.
Tailenders Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah tried to extend the resistance, but New Zealand’s bowlers wrapped up the innings efficiently.
Mitchell Santner and Will O’Rourke took three wickets each, while Matt Henry chipped in with two.
Young-Latham Heroics Power New Zealand to 320/5
Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a formidable 320/5 in their 50 overs, courtesy of a crucial fourth-wicket stand between Young and Latham.
Their innings began shakily as mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed bowled Devon Conway (10) in the eighth over. The pressure mounted when Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10) fell in quick succession to Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, reducing the Blackcaps to 73/3 in 16.2 overs.
At this point, Latham joined Young, and the pair resurrected the innings with a commanding 118-run partnership.
Young eventually fell in the 38th over after scoring a brilliant 107 off 113 balls, including 12 fours and a six. However, Latham remained unbeaten, anchoring the innings with a superb 118 off 104 deliveries, featuring 10 fours and three sixes.
Glenn Phillips provided a late flourish, hammering 61 off just 39 balls with three fours and four sixes, helping New Zealand cross the 320-run mark.
For Pakistan, Naseem and Rauf claimed two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed took one.
New Zealand’s clinical all-round display ensured a convincing victory, handing them a strong start to their Champions Trophy campaign.
