New Zealand triumph over Pakistan in Champions Trophy opener

New Zealand secured a commanding 60-run victory over Pakistan in the opening clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at National Stadium Karachi on Wednesday.

Centuries from Tom Latham (118) and Will Young (107) powered the Black Caps to kick off their Champions Trophy campaign with a comprehensive win over the defending champions.

Batting first after losing the toss, New Zealand posted an imposing total of 320, before their bowlers restricted the hosts to 260.

Pakistan's faltering chase

The home side began their innings on a shaky note, struggling to find rhythm against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack with the opener Saud Shakeel falling early to pacer William O'Rourke.

New Zealand's Will O'Rourke in action against Pakistan at National Stadium KarachiAFP

Fakhar Zaman, hampered by an injury sustained during fielding, displayed resilience but was visibly uncomfortable at the crease as the team struggled to build substantial partnerships.

Babar Azam contributed a measured 64 runs, while Khushdil Shah offered late resistance with a brisk 69. Despite their efforts, Pakistan's batting lineup faltered under the mounting required run rate and disciplined New Zealand bowling.

O'Rourke's brilliance

William O'Rourke was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwi side, delivering three crucial breakthroughs at key moments. His dismissal of Rizwan was particularly impactful, swinging the momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor.

Pakistan scored just 22 for 2 in the first ten overs; their lowest since March 2019 and the third-lowest in Champions Trophy history.

Spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell tightened the screws in the middle overs, with the former taking three wickets and latter one; choking Pakistan’s scoring opportunities. Their control and consistency forced Pakistan’s batsmen to take risks, leading to their downfall.

Dominant Kiwi batting

New Zealand faced early challenges, losing Devon Conway and Kane Williamson in quick succession. Spinner Abrar Ahmed provided the initial breakthrough, clean bowling Conway, while Naseem Shah dismissed Williamson shortly after.

However, opener Young and Latham orchestrated a remarkable recovery. Young exhibited composure, compiling 107 runs off 113 balls, including 12 boundaries and a six. His partnership of 118 runs with Latham steadied the innings and shifted momentum in New Zealand's favor. Young's innings concluded when he misjudged a delivery from Naseem Shah, resulting in a catch to substitute fielder Faheem Ashraf.

New Zealand's Will Young celebrates after reaching his century along with Tom LathamReuters

Latham continued to anchor the innings, accelerating the scoring rate in the latter overs. He remained unbeaten on 118 from 104 deliveries, striking 10 fours and three sixes. A rapid 61 off 39 balls from Glenn Phillips further bolstered the total, propelling New Zealand to a formidable 320/5.

"I think Pakistan bowled pretty well... but the way Young and Tommy were able to rotate (strike) and get the odd boundary, that partnership set us a very good platform," New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said.

The perfect momentum

The emphatic victory gives New Zealand a flying start in the Champions Trophy, boosting their confidence for the upcoming games. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their batting frailties.

With this commanding win, New Zealand have set the tone for the tournament, signaling their intent to challenge the best. As the Champions Trophy unfolds, all eyes will be on how Pakistan respond to this early setback.

Team Green will play their next game against arch-rivals India at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.