ISLAMABAD: New Zealand highlighted their title credentials as Will Young and Tom Latham each hit centuries to guide them to a 60-run victory over defending champions Pakistan in the Champions Trophy Group A match on Wednesday.
Young scored 107 and Latham finished unbeaten on 118, leading New Zealand to a total of 320-5 after a slow start, having been put in to bat at the National Stadium. Glenn Phillips added a quickfire 61 as New Zealand’s batting took off, with the 300-mark initially looking unlikely.
Pakistan, in response, were all out for 260 in 47.2 overs. Despite half-centuries from Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69), Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner praised the partnership between Young and Latham, saying, “I think Pakistan bowled pretty well…but the way Young and Tommy rotated the strike and got the odd boundary, that partnership set us a very good platform.”
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan opted to bowl first in the tournament’s opening match, the first global tournament in the country since the 1996 World Cup. The hosts made an early breakthrough with Abrar Ahmed dismissing Devon Conway and Naseem Shah getting Kane Williamson out cheaply.
Young and Latham then rebuilt with a century stand, and Young’s 107 came to an end when Naseem removed him after 12 fours and a six. Phillips counter-attacked with a brisk 61, including four sixes, as New Zealand accelerated in the final 10 overs, adding 113 runs.
Pakistan’s chase was hurt by Fakhar Zaman’s injury in the field, forcing him to bat lower down the order. Babar and Saud Shakeel struggled, and Fakhar was dismissed for 24. At 83-3, Babar remained Pakistan’s main hope, but after he fell for 64 to Santner, the crowd began to dwindle.
Khushdil’s aggressive knock of 69 was not enough, and New Zealand comfortably secured the win with Pakistan all out.
