Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand made a scintillating start to their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, outclassing hosts Pakistan by 60 runs in Karachi. Centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham powered the Black Caps to a daunting 320/5, before a clinical bowling display—led by Santner and Will O’Rourke—secured a commanding victory.
After being put in to bat, New Zealand found themselves in early trouble at 73/3 following a fiery spell from Pakistan’s pacers. Abrar Ahmed provided the initial breakthrough, bowling Devon Conway in the eighth over, before Naseem Shah dismissed Kane Williamson for a two-ball duck. Haris Rauf added to the early carnage, removing Daryl Mitchell with a well-disguised slower ball.
Just when Pakistan seemed to have taken control, Young (107 off 113) and Latham (118 off 104) turned the tide. The duo added 118 runs for the fourth wicket, steadying the innings before accelerating in the middle overs. Young, striking 11 fours and a six, reached his fourth ODI century before falling to Naseem Shah.
New Zealand batters with hundreds in Champions Trophy:
145* – Nathan Astle vs USA, The Oval, 2004
102* – Chris Cairns vs IND, Nairobi, 2000 Final
100 – Kane Williamson vs AUS, Edgbaston, 2017
107 – Will Young vs PAK, Karachi, 2025#ChampionsTrophy #CT25 pic.twitter.com/8K8QeOVNlA— Rai M. Azlan (@Mussanaf) February 19, 2025
Latham, undeterred by the loss, carried the momentum forward in a 124-run stand with Glenn Phillips, who chipped in with a crucial 41 off 34 balls. The Black Caps closed their innings on a commanding 320/5, leaving Pakistan with a steep chase.
It is not a cricket team, it's a laboratory!#ChampionsTrophy #PAKvNZ
— Rai M. Azlan (@Mussanaf) February 19, 2025
In pursuit of 321, Pakistan stumbled early, losing Saud Shakeel in the fourth over. Things went from bad to worse when Babar Azam departed for just three, courtesy of a stunning grab by Glenn Phillips at backward point. By the end of the powerplay, the hosts were reeling at 22/2, struggling to keep up with the required rate.
https://twitter.com/Mussanaf/status/1892260276801589323
Fakhar Zaman (24) and Salman Agha (42) attempted to rebuild, but Santner (3-66) and O’Rourke (3-49) ensured the pressure never eased. Babar’s fighting 64 was cut short by Santner, while Tayyab Tahir lasted only a ball as Pakistan’s middle order crumbled.
https://twitter.com/Mussanaf/status/1892254291227812232
Khushdil Shah offered late resistance with a counterattacking 69, but with wickets tumbling around him, Pakistan’s chase never quite took off. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs, falling 60 runs short.
https://twitter.com/KarachiKingsARY/status/1892254659902890103
Adding to Pakistan’s woes, Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury scare while fielding in the deep. Though he returned to bat, his discomfort was evident, and his fitness remains a concern for the remainder of the tournament.
With a near-flawless performance, New Zealand have set the tone for their Champions Trophy campaign, showcasing their batting depth and bowling prowess. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly as they face an uphill battle to bounce back in the tournament.
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