Tom Latham and Will Young's centuries and bowlers' brilliance powered New Zealand to a lopsided 60-run victory over hosts Pakistan in the opening match of the Champions Trophy at the Karachi stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 321 runs, Pakistan were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs. Khushdil Shah top-scored for Pakistan with a blistering 69 runs off 49 balls, including 10 boundaries and a six. Babar Azam followed with 64 runs off 91 balls, contrasting with Khushdil’s more aggressive approach.
Mitchell Santner dealt a decisive blow, dismissing Babar Azam with Pakistan at 153-6 in 34 overs, effectively ending Pakistan’s hopes. Babar, who reached his 54th fifty in one-day internationals off 81 balls, was eventually dismissed for 64 off 90 balls.
Agha Salman contributed a quick 42 runs off 28 balls, hitting a six and six boundaries before being caught out off Nathan Smith. Tayyab Tahir made just 1 run. Pakistan reached the 100-run mark in the 28th over but were struggling at 104-3. A 35-run partnership between Agha and Babar in 43 balls briefly revived their chase.
Earlier, Pakistan had a disastrous start, scoring only 22-2 in the first 10 overs, their lowest-ever score in the first 10 overs of a home ODI. Will O'Rourke removed Saud Shakeel and Captain Muhammad Rizwan, reducing Pakistan to 22-2 after the first powerplay. Saud struggled in his new role as an opener, scoring just 6 runs off 19 balls.
Fakhar Zaman, who had missed part of the match due to an injury scare, returned later and played a supporting role with Babar before being dismissed for 24 runs off 41 balls.
In response, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 320-5. Will Young and Tom Latham guided New Zealand to a strong total with sparkling centuries. Young scored 107 off 113 balls, while Latham remained unbeaten on 118 from 104 balls. The pair added 118 runs for the fourth wicket, reviving New Zealand’s innings from a precarious 73-3.
New Zealand’s late surge, led by Latham and Glenn Phillips (39-ball 61), saw them score 113 runs in the last 10 overs, including 64 runs in the final five. Latham hit 10 boundaries and three sixes, while Phillips’ aggressive knock featured four sixes and three boundaries.
Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled, with Naseem Shah taking 2-63, while Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi both went wicketless in their 10-over spells, conceding 83 and 68 runs respectively.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first. Experts had predicted a 56% chance of Pakistan winning, giving them a slight edge as the home side.
The match was preceded by an impressive opening ceremony, featuring a flypast by Pakistan's Air Force, including JF-17 and F-16 jets. President Asif Ali Zardari attended the event as the chief guest, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also present.
Pakistan captain Muhammad Rizwan expressed optimism ahead of the match, but despite their efforts, Pakistan fell short in the high-stakes opener of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
On the other hand, New Zealand has been dealing with injury concerns. Young all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who suffered a head injury during the recent ODI tri-series, was seen practicing in the nets but remains a doubtful starter for the game. Additionally, Kyle Jamieson is in transit and yet to join the squad.
Cricket fever has gripped Pakistan, as the country hosts an ICC event after nearly three decades. The last time an ICC tournament match was played in Pakistan was the 1996 World Cup final in Lahore.
Fans were excited to witness top-tier international cricket on home soil, making this tournament a special occasion for Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity.
The Champions Trophy, initially conceived in 1998 to expand the game beyond traditional Test nations, has evolved significantly. This edition features Bangladesh and Afghanistan among the eight competing teams, while Sri Lanka and West Indies miss out.
