KARACHI: New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.
Despite a valiant effort from Khushdil Shah and Babar Azam, Pakistan fell short in their chase of 321, ending their innings at 260 all out.
New Zealand, after put into bat first, posted an imposing total of 320/5, with significant contributions from Will Young and captain Tom Latham, who each scored centuries.
Young top-scored with a well-crafted 107 off 113 balls, while Latham anchored the innings with an unbeaten 118 from 104 deliveries. Glenn Phillips added a quick-fire 61 off 39 balls, helping the Black Caps set a daunting target.
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Pakistan’s bowlers, despite some early breakthroughs, struggled to contain New Zealand’s aggressive batting line-up.
Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf each claimed two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed took one. The early dismissals of Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell had put New Zealand on the back foot, but the partnership between Young and Latham steadied the ship, as they added 118 runs for the fourth wicket, ensuring the visitors gained control.
Pakistan’s chase of 321 got off to a rocky start, with opener Saud Shakeel dismissed cheaply for just 6 runs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan was also dismissed early for just 3, leaving Pakistan at 33/3 in the seventh over.
Following the early hiccup, Fakhar Zaman joined Babar in the middle in a bid to launch recovery. The pair, however, could add 47 runs to the total as Fakhar fell victim to Michael Bracewell in the 21st over after scoring 24 off 41 deliveries with the help of four boundaries.
Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha then offered some fightback with a blistering 42-run cameo until falling victim to Nathan Smith in the 31st over.
Pakistan then lost two more wickets in quick succession, including that of their ace batter Babar Azam, and consequently slipped to 153/6 in 34 overs.
Babar scored a cautious 64 off 90 deliveries, smashing six fours and a six.
Coming out to bat at number seven, Khushdil Shah went after the New Zealand bowlers, hitting 10 fours and a six on his way to a brisk 49-ball 69.
He was eventually dismissed in the 44th over by Will O’Rourke, who put New Zealand just two wickets within the victory.
Pakistan’s tailenders Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah offered some resistance down the order but their efforts were not enough to lead their side to victory.
Mitchell Santner and O’Rourke took three wickets each for New Zealand, followed by Matt Henry, who claimed two.
The middle-order failed to build any significant partnerships, with Tayyab Tahir falling cheaply. Even a late burst from Haris Rauf (19) and Naseem Shah (13) couldn’t get Pakistan closer to the target, as they were bowled out in 47.3 overs. Salman Agha with 42 managed to put up a semblance of resistance against the Kiwis.
New Zealand’s wicketkeeper batter Tom Latham’s brilliant century earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ award, a fitting tribute to his match-winning knock.
