A brilliant century from Tom Latham, along with a solid knock from Will Young and outstanding bowling performances, propelled New Zealand to a 60-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.
Pakistan, chasing a target of 321, faltered throughout their innings, losing wickets at crucial moments. The opening pair of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel were tasked with setting the tone, but their progress was interrupted when Shakeel was dismissed early, caught by Matt Henry off Will O’Rourke. Pakistan’s captain, Muhammad Rizwan, followed soon after, caught by Glenn Phillips off O’Rourke, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 22-2 after 10 overs—marking their lowest home ODI powerplay total.
Fakhar Zaman, replacing Rizwan at No. 4, struggled alongside Babar Azam, adding just 47 runs before Zaman was dismissed. A brief surge came from Salman Ali Agha, who struck a quick-fire 42 off 28 balls, including six boundaries and a six. His dismissal, however, left Pakistan at 127-4, still requiring over 190 runs.
Babar Azam reached a half-century but was dismissed for 64 off 90 balls, leaving Pakistan at 153-6. Despite a strong effort from Khushdil Shah, who remained Pakistan’s top scorer with 69 off 49, the team fell short by 60 runs. Shah tried to rally the tailenders, but he was eventually dismissed by Will O’Rourke in the 44th over, and Pakistan’s resistance crumbled.
With the tailenders unable to close the gap, Pakistan finished on 260-9. Will O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner took three wickets each, while Matt Henry claimed two. Latham’s match-winning century earned him the Player of the Match award.
Earlier, New Zealand was put to bat first, and despite early setbacks—Devon Conway falling for 10 and Kane Williamson dismissed for just 1—New Zealand recovered well. Will Young and Daryl Mitchell contributed a 33-run stand, and the pair of Young and Latham added a crucial 118 runs for the fourth wicket. Young was dismissed for a well-played 107 off 113 balls, with 12 boundaries and a six. Latham, however, continued his dominant form, completing his century with a sparkling 118 not out from 104 balls, supported by a fiery 61 from Glenn Phillips, who struck four sixes and three fours.
Pakistan’s bowlers, including Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, took two wickets each, but their efforts couldn’t contain New Zealand’s powerful innings. Abrar Ahmed also claimed one wicket for 47 runs in his 10-over spell.
