New Zealand kicks off the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a dominant victory over the hosts
Facing a challenging target of 321 runs, Pakistan were bowled out for 260 in 47.3 overs.
New Zealand kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy campaign with an impressive 60-run win against hosts Pakistan on Wednesday. Pakistan, chasing a daunting target of 321 runs, were bowled out for 260 in 47.3 overs.
Despite half-centuries from Khushdil Shah (69) and Babar Azam (64), Pakistan struggled to keep up with the required run rate as New Zealand consistently took wickets at regular intervals. Will O'Rourke and Mitchell Santner stood out with the ball, each claiming three wickets, while Matt Henry chipped in with two.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 320-5, thanks to brilliant centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham. Sent in to bat by Pakistan, the duo capitalized on a flat pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi. Latham remained unbeaten on 118 off 104 balls, while Young scored 107 off 113 deliveries. Their 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket steadied the innings after New Zealand had slipped to 73-3, losing Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1), and Daryl Mitchell (10) early.
Young's innings, which included 12 boundaries and a six, marked his fourth ODI century before he was dismissed by Naseem Shah in the 38th over. Latham, along with Glenn Phillips, who smashed a quickfire 61 off 39 balls, provided a late surge, adding 113 runs in the last 10 overs, including 64 in the final five. Latham's eighth ODI hundred featured 10 boundaries and three sixes, while Phillips' aggressive knock included four sixes and three boundaries.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah was the most effective bowler, finishing with 2-63. However, fellow pacers Haris Rauf (2-83) and Shaheen Afridi, who went wicketless while conceding 68 runs in 10 overs, struggled to contain the New Zealand batters.
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