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Karachi: The Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off with dew playing a significant role, influencing both Mohammad Rizwan and Mitchell Santner to prefer chasing. However, with New Zealand batting first, the onus was on them to set a dew-proof total. Thanks to stellar centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young, along with Glenn Phillips’ explosive finish, the Black Caps posted a formidable 320/5 against Pakistan at the National Stadium, Karachi.
A Historic Return & Early Drama
This match marked the return of a major ICC tournament to Pakistan after 29 years, yet the National Stadium was only half-filled for the historic occasion. The game began with early drama, as Fakhar Zaman limped off the field due to an apparent knee injury while fielding just the second ball of the tournament. However, there was some relief for Pakistan as he later returned to the field mid-innings.
New Zealand's Strong Start & Pakistan’s Early Fightback
New Zealand began well, with Pakistan’s pacers finding little movement in the air or off the surface. Will Young made the most of it, clipping boundaries off his pads as New Zealand raced to 30 runs in the first five overs.
Pakistan turned to leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed in the sixth over, and he delivered instantly by dismissing Devon Conway with a deceptive slider. In the very next over, Naseem Shah struck, forcing Kane Williamson to edge behind, reducing New Zealand to two down early.
Despite the early breakthroughs, Young remained solid, while Daryl Mitchell struggled to adjust to the varying bounce at different ends of the pitch. Eventually, he fell in the 17th over, hurried by a sharp Haris Rauf bouncer, leaving New Zealand at 73/3. At that point, Young had contributed 49 runs and took the responsibility to anchor the innings alongside Latham.
Latham & Young Rebuild, Setting the Stage for a Late Assault
The 118-run stand between Latham and Young proved pivotal as they kept the scoreboard ticking without taking unnecessary risks. By the 30th over, New Zealand reached 148/3, positioning themselves for a strong finish.
The only scare for New Zealand came when Rauf’s fiery short-ball spell troubled Latham. A caught-behind review was burned, a tough catch was put down when Latham was on 41, and another awkward fend fell safely away from fielders.
In the next over, Young completed a well-constructed century, becoming the fourth New Zealand batter to score a Champions Trophy hundred. His 107-run knock, featuring 12 fours and a six, came to an end when he mishit a pull shot off Naseem Shah to square leg.
By that stage, New Zealand had already laid the foundation for a late assault, and Glenn Phillips was the perfect man to accelerate alongside Latham.
Phillips' Power-Hitting & Latham’s Acceleration
Latham, who reached his 50 off 61 balls, shifted gears dramatically, taking just 31 more deliveries to complete his century—his eighth in ODIs.
Phillips then unleashed carnage at the death, targeting both Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf with his aggressive strokeplay. He smashed 61 off just 39 balls, propelling New Zealand past the 300-run mark.
New Zealand Set a Daunting Challenge for Pakistan
With a final score of 320/5, New Zealand has set Pakistan a tough chase under lights, where dew could play a role. The hosts will need a strong batting performance to start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on a winning note.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand – 320/5 in 50 overs (Tom Latham 118, Will Young 107, Glenn Phillips 61; Naseem Shah 2-63)*
Pakistan – Yet to Bat
With the stage set for an exciting chase, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s batting lineup to see if they can handle the pressure.
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