In a commanding display, New Zealand kicked off the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a 60-run victory over hosts and defending champions Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19, 2025. The Black Caps, led by centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, showcased their batting prowess and tactical acumen to outplay Pakistan in front of a passionate home crowd.
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| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
Batting first after losing the toss, New Zealand faced early trouble, slipping to 73/3. However, Young (107 off 113 balls) and Latham (118* off 104 balls) forged a crucial 118-run partnership to steady the innings. Young’s composed knock, featuring 11 fours and a six, set the tone, while Latham accelerated late, finishing unbeaten. Glenn Phillips’ explosive 61 off 39 balls, including four sixes, propelled New Zealand to a formidable 320/5. Pakistan’s bowlers, notably Shaheen Shah Afridi (0-68), struggled to contain the onslaught.
Pakistan’s chase faltered early, with Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke reducing them to 22/2 in the first powerplay. An injury to Fakhar Zaman disrupted their plans, forcing a sluggish start. Babar Azam’s 64 off 90 balls lacked fluency, while Khushdil Shah’s valiant 69 off 49 came too late. Mitchell Santner (3-66) and O’Rourke (3-47) dismantled the middle order, bowling Pakistan out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
This clinical win, New Zealand’s fourth straight ODI triumph in Pakistan including the tri-series, signals their title aspirations. For Pakistan, the loss puts pressure on their upcoming clash against India, with their semifinal hopes already in jeopardy.
Brief Scores: New Zealand - 320/5 in 50 overs (Tom Latham - 118*, Haris Rauf - 2/83) defeated Pakistan - 260 all out in 47.2 overs (Khusdil Shah - 69, Will O'Rourke - 3/47) by a margin of 60 runs
