Young, Latham Hundreds Guide New Zealand to Comfortable Win Over Pakistan in Champions Trophy Opener
New Zealand sent a strong message to the rest of the field in the ICC Champions Trophy as centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham powered them to a 60-run victory over defending champions Pakistan in the tournament opener at National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Wednesday.
Put in to bat after Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss, New Zealand overcame a shaky start to post an imposing 320/5 in 50 overs, thanks to a stellar batting display led by Young’s 107 off 123 balls and Latham’s unbeaten 118 off 102 balls.
The start wasn’t easy for the Kiwis. Devon Conway (14) was bowled by spinner Abrar Ahmed, while Kane Williamson (1) edged behind off Naseem Shah soon after. Daryl Mitchell (8) also fell cheaply, leaving New Zealand struggling at 52/3 inside 12 overs.
However, Young and Latham stitched together a crucial partnership worth 146 runs, steadying the innings and setting up a powerful finish. Young’s innings included 12 boundaries and a six, while Latham shifted gears late on, finding gaps with ease. Glenn Phillips then smashed a rapid 61 off 39 balls, including four sixes, as New Zealand plundered 113 runs in the final 10 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers were impressive early on, but they faded at the death. Naseem Shah (2-58) and Haris Rauf (1-63) provided early breakthroughs, but the attack lacked control in the closing stages.
Pakistan’s chase of 321 never gained momentum. Their plans were disrupted when Fakhar Zaman picked up a muscle strain while fielding, delaying his entrance into the innings. Saud Shakeel opened alongside Babar Azam, but Will O’Rourke (3-47) made an immediate impact, dismissing Shakeel (8) and later removing Rizwan (3) with a sharp delivery.
Fakhar Zaman (24) battled through his injury but was bowled by Michael Bracewell, while Babar Azam’s composed 64 off 82 balls offered brief hope before Mitchell Santner (3-66) had him caught in the deep, triggering an exodus of disappointed fans from the stands.
Salman Ali Agha (42 off 47) played some aggressive strokes but could not sustain the effort. Khushdil Shah’s 69 off 49 balls, including 10 boundaries and a six, added some late fireworks, but Pakistan were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
Player of the Match Tom Latham hailed his team’s resilience, particularly after the early wickets.
“We knew if we built a platform, we could cash in later, and that’s exactly what happened,” Latham said.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised the batting recovery:
“Young and Tommy set up the game perfectly after a tough start. It allowed Phillips to play freely towards the end.”
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan admitted his side failed to handle the pressure:
“We bowled well early, but losing wickets regularly hurt us. We played too many dot balls (152), and that killed our chase.”
The result leaves Pakistan under pressure ahead of their blockbuster clash against arch-rivals India on Sunday, a game that could define their tournament. New Zealand, meanwhile, will look to build on their momentum when they face New Zealand on March 2.
The Champions Trophy’s return to Pakistan marked the first ICC event in the country since the 1996 World Cup, and though the home fans were left disappointed, the buzz around international cricket’s homecoming was evident, with long queues of excited supporters seen outside the stadium hours before the match.
For New Zealand, this victory was not just about points—it was a statement that they are here to contend for the title. For Pakistan, Sunday’s match against India could now feel like an early knockout game.
