New Zealand Crush Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy Opener: New Zealand kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign in style with a commanding 60-run victory over hosts Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday night. A stellar batting performance, led by centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young, propelled the Kiwis to a formidable total, which proved too much for Pakistan to chase down.
After being asked to bat first, New Zealand posted an imposing 320-5 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a brilliant 118-run partnership between Will Young and Tom Latham, which steadied the ship after the visitors had stumbled to 73-3 in the 16th over. Young, the opening batter, played a composed knock of 107 off 113 balls, including 12 fours and a six, marking his fourth ODI century. He was well-supported by Latham, who remained unbeaten on 118 off 104 deliveries, smashing 10 fours and three sixes for his eighth ODI hundred.
The momentum continued as Glenn Phillips joined Latham in a blistering 125-run stand for the fifth wicket. Phillips raced to a 39-ball 61, hitting three fours and four sixes, helping New Zealand plunder 113 runs in the final 10 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf picking up two wickets each, but the damage had already been done.
In response, Pakistan’s chase got off to a rocky start, losing Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan early to finish the powerplay at 22-2. Fakhar Zaman, batting at No. 4 due to a muscular injury sustained while fielding, managed only 21 before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell. Captain Babar Azam fought valiantly with a 90-ball 64, including six fours and a six, and shared a 58-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha. However, New Zealand’s bowlers struck at regular intervals, leaving Pakistan reeling at 153-6 by the 34th over.
Khushdil Shah provided a glimmer of hope with a spirited 49-ball 69, including 10 fours and a six, but his dismissal in the 44th over effectively ended Pakistan’s chances. Contributions from the lower order, including Haris Rauf (19), Shaheen Shah Afridi (14), and Naseem Shah (13), were not enough as Pakistan were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs, falling 60 runs short of the target.
Read also: https://icasportsplus.com/paul-nixon-replaces-chanderpaul-as-falcons-head-coach-for-cpl-2025/
New Zealand’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Will O’Rourke (3-47), Mitchell Santner (3-66), and Matt Henry (2-25) sharing eight wickets between them. Their efforts ensured that Pakistan never gained the upper hand during the chase.
Tom Latham was deservedly named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 118, which laid the foundation for New Zealand’s victory. His partnership with Young and later with Phillips proved decisive in setting up a challenging total.
Pakistan will look to bounce back in their next Group A match against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 23 February. New Zealand, meanwhile, will aim to carry their winning momentum into their upcoming fixtures.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 320-5 in 50 overs (Tom Latham 118*, Will Young 107; Naseem Shah 2-58, Haris Rauf 2-62)
Pakistan: 260 all out in 47.2 overs (Babar Azam 64, Khushdil Shah 69; Will O’Rourke 3-47, Mitchell Santner 3-66)
Result: New Zealand won by 60 runs.
