New Zealand kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign in style, defeating hosts Pakistan by 60 runs in the tournament’s opening match in Karachi.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 320, thanks to brilliant centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham. Young anchored the innings with a composed 107 off 113 balls, while Latham accelerated in the later stages, smashing an unbeaten 118 off 104 deliveries. Glenn Phillips added the finishing touch with a blistering 61 off just 39 balls.
Pakistan’s bowlers started strong, reducing New Zealand to 73 for 3 inside 17 overs. Naseem Shah removed Kane Williamson for just 1, while Abrar Ahmed bowled Devon Conway for 10. Haris Rauf then dismissed Daryl Mitchell, putting the visitors under pressure. However, Young and Latham’s 118-run fourth-wicket stand turned the game around.
In reply, Pakistan struggled to keep up with the required run rate and were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs. Khushdil Shah fought hard with a quickfire 69 off 49 balls, and Babar Azam contributed 64 off 90, but their efforts fell short.
New Zealand’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Will O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner taking three wickets each. Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, failing to capitalize on a solid platform.
For the hosts, this match was a highly anticipated return of an ICC event to their home soil after years, but they couldn’t mark the occasion with a winning start.
