Statement win for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener

The Black Caps made it four wins in a row against the hosts in Champions Trophy meetings, with an emphatic 60-run win in Karachi.

New Zealand Dominates Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 Opener with Sensational Performances

New Zealand’s Stellar Performance Against Pakistan

• Result: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 60 runs in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy opener.
• Key Performances: Centuries from Will Young (107 off 113) and Tom Latham (118 off 104) led New Zealand to a total of 320/5.
• Pakistan’s Run Chase: Chasing 321, Pakistan was bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.

Pakistan’s Struggles in the Chase

• Early Setback: Pakistan’s chase started poorly with the loss of Saud Shakeel in the fourth over, and soon after, Babar Azam was dismissed by a spectacular catch from Glenn Phillips at backward point for just 3 runs.
• Powerplay Struggles: New Zealand’s bowlers dominated the first powerplay, leaving Pakistan at a shaky 22/2 after 10 overs.
• Fakhar Zaman & Babar Azam’s Efforts: Despite a strong partnership between Fakhar Zaman (24) and Babar Azam (64), New Zealand’s bowlers maintained control, with captain Mitchell Santner and Will O’Rourke each taking three wickets.
• Salman Agha’s Fightback: Salman Agha (42) and Babar Azam tried to rebuild the innings, but quick dismissals from Santner and O’Rourke put Pakistan on the back foot.
• Khushdil Shah’s Resistance: Despite the setbacks, Khushdil Shah played a valiant knock of 69, but it wasn’t enough to get Pakistan across the line as they were bowled out for 260.

New Zealand’s Batting Masterclass

• Solid Partnership: With New Zealand struggling at 73/3, Will Young and Tom Latham rescued the innings, putting on an 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
• Will Young’s Century: Young’s century came off 113 balls, including 11 fours and 1 six. However, his innings ended when he miscued a shot off Naseem Shah, with substitute fielder Faheem Ashraf taking the catch.
• Tom Latham’s Century: After Young’s departure, Latham continued to shine, scoring 118 off 104 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. He shared a 124-run partnership with Glenn Phillips for the fifth wicket.
• Strong Finish: Thanks to Latham’s knock, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 320/5.

Pakistan’s Early Breakthroughs with the Ball

• Pakistan’s Early Advantage: The hosts made early breakthroughs, with Abrar Ahmed removing Devon Conway (8) in the eighth over and Naseem Shah dismissing Kane Williamson (2) in the following over.
• Haris Rauf’s Contribution: Haris Rauf also joined the action, removing Daryl Mitchell with a change of pace that caught the batsman off guard.

Injury Concerns for Fakhar Zaman

• Fielding Injury: Fakhar Zaman was forced off the field after a fielding attempt left him in discomfort. However, he later returned to the field, though his medical status remained unclear after the match.

Summary of Key Moments:

• Glenn Phillips’ Stunning Catch: Phillips’ one-handed catch to dismiss Babar Azam was a highlight of the match and crucial in Pakistan’s early collapse.
• Dominant New Zealand Bowlers: Santner and O’Rourke were instrumental in New Zealand’s victory, each picking up three wickets and restricting Pakistan’s run chase.
• Solid Batting Contributions: Young and Latham’s centuries set the foundation for New Zealand’s formidable total of 320/5.

With this comprehensive win, New Zealand has made a strong start in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, while Pakistan will need to regroup ahead of their next match.