ISLAMABAD: New Zealand set a formidable target of 321 runs against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening match, held at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.
Opting to bat first, the Blackcaps posted 320/5 in their 50 overs, with a standout partnership between centurions Young and Latham guiding them to a commanding total. The duo’s fourth-wicket partnership was instrumental, adding 118 runs and taking New Zealand from a shaky position to a dominant one.
New Zealand’s innings began on a rocky note as mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed struck early, dismissing Devon Conway for just 10 in the eighth over. Two quick wickets followed, with pacers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf removing Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10), leaving the visitors at 73/3 in the 16th over.
Despite the early setbacks, wicketkeeper-batter Latham joined Young in the middle, and the pair stabilized the innings with a strong partnership. Young, who had been solid throughout, reached his century with a knock of 107 off 113 balls, including 12 fours and a six, before being dismissed by Naseem in the 38th over.
Latham, however, remained unbeaten, scoring a brilliant 118* off 104 balls, which included 10 fours and 3 sixes. He was well supported by Glenn Phillips, who added a quickfire 61 from 39 balls, with 3 fours and 4 sixes, to propel New Zealand past the 320-run mark.
For Pakistan, Naseem and Rauf took two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed claimed one.
The match, which saw President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari as chief guests, also featured a spectacular aerial display by the Pakistan Air Force’s Sherdil Squadron.
