New Zealand defeated co-hosts Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening match of the Champions Trophy in Karachi. New Zealand scored 320 for 5, with standout performances from Tom Latham (118*) and Will Young (107). Pakistan struggled in their chase, managing only 260 runs despite Khushdil Shah’s 69 and Babar Azam’s 64. Fakhar Zaman’s early injury hindered Pakistan’s batting, and they faced difficulties against New Zealand’s spinners, who excelled on a turning pitch. New Zealand’s victory was marked by strong partnerships and crucial wickets, reinforcing their status as title contenders while putting Pakistan’s semi-final chances in jeopardy.
New Zealand 320 for 5 (Latham 118*, Young 107, Phillips 61, Naseem 2-63) defeated Pakistan 260 (Khushdil 69, Babar 64, O’Rourke 3-47, Santner 3-66) by 60 runs
After nearly three decades of waiting, Pakistan was excited to host a global tournament, but their hopes were dashed on the opening day of the Champions Trophy as New Zealand handed them a 60-run defeat in Karachi. In this short tournament format, where each team plays only three group-stage matches, such a loss could threaten Pakistan’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals. Will Young and Tom Latham played pivotal roles in their team’s victory, both scoring remarkable centuries that laid the foundation for New Zealand’s dominance, although they also benefited from a bit of fortune.
Just two balls into the match, Fakhar Zaman sustained an injury while chasing Young’s cover drive and had to leave the field for most of the first innings. Consequently, the time he spent off the field meant he couldn’t open the batting in their chase of 321 runs. When he eventually batted at No. 4 with Pakistan at 22 for 2 in ten overs, he clearly struggled to run between the wickets. New Zealand’s offspinners, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips, effectively kept the ball beyond his reach, complicating his situation further. Fakhar’s challenging innings concluded when Bracewell bowled him with a non-turner for 24 runs off 41 balls.
Much like Fakhar, several Pakistan batters struggled to get going, including Babar Azam, who required 81 balls to reach his fifty. Despite injuries to Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears weakening New Zealand’s bowling attack, their spinners excelled on a pitch that provided turn and inconsistent bounce. The spinners were so effective that New Zealand didn’t need to call upon Nathan Smith, their third seamer, until the 31st over, by which point Pakistan’s required run rate had already skyrocketed to nearly ten runs per over.
New Zealand faced their own challenges with the absence of Rachin Ravindra due to injury, but Young and Latham set the tone with their centuries before Glenn Phillips added a thrilling finish. New Zealand amassed 113 runs in the last ten overs to conclude with a total of 320.
That score seemed distant when New Zealand found themselves at 40 for 2 in the ninth over and then at 73 for 3 in the 17th. At this juncture, Young and Latham stabilized the innings and took control during the middle overs.
Young has often been on the edge of selection throughout his international career. He might not have played in this match had Ravindra been available, and despite scoring his first international century away from home, he may have to give way for Ravindra once he is fit. With Kane Williamson sidelined, Young had emerged as the Player of the Series during New Zealand’s historic 3-0 sweep of India in their home series but was omitted for Williamson in New Zealand’s next Test against England. Nevertheless, Young consistently makes the most of his opportunities, as he proved once more on Wednesday.
After Devon Conway was dismissed by a carrom ball from mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed for 10, and Williamson scored a rare single-digit ODI score for the first time in six years in the next over, Young bided his time and successfully navigated challenging spells from Abrar and Naseem Shah.
Young reached his third fifty-plus score in nine innings in Pakistan and transformed it into a century, achieving this milestone in 107 balls during the 35th over, with Ravindra applauding him from the dressing room.
Latham, on the other hand, quickly notched up a century of his own off 95 balls, finishing on 118 not out from 104 balls. This performance marked a significant turnaround for him, particularly as he entered the tri-series final following three consecutive ducks dating back to the ODI against Sri Lanka in Auckland in January. Having received several lives on his way to 56 in the tri-series final against Pakistan, Latham reminded everyone of his full capability. He displayed a range of sweeps, including the reverse sweep, against various deliveries to unsettle Pakistan’s spinners. Notably, 52 of his 118 runs came from square or behind square on the leg side.
Following Young’s dismissal for 107, Latham formed a 125-run partnership with Phillips for the fifth wicket off just 74 balls. After struggling at 10 off 18 balls, Phillips exploded to reach his fifty off the next 16 balls, striking back-to-back sixes off Shaheen. However, he faced a bit of misfortune when he attempted a ramp shot against Haris Rauf over short third and ended up toe-ending it to the fielder, finishing with 61 runs off 39 balls.
Phillips, however, still had his moment of brilliance, executing a stunning catch when he leaped to his left from point, extending one hand above his head to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan for 3 runs off 14 balls, right at the end of the first powerplay. Will O’Rourke had already claimed the wicket of Saud Shakeel, the makeshift opener in place of Fakhar, for just 6 runs in the fourth over. Matt Henry, who had missed the tri-series final due to a knee issue, also bowled tightly during the first powerplay, which saw Pakistan struggling at 22 for 2.
This ended up being Pakistan’s lowest score in the first ten overs since March 2019 and their third lowest in Champions Trophy history. Despite some late resistance from Khushdil Shah, who scored 69 runs off 49 balls, and the lower order, there was no way back for Pakistan as they were ultimately bowled out for 260 in the 48th over.
In his first global event match as New Zealand captain, Santner claimed three wickets, although he faced some challenges towards the end of the innings. Once again, New Zealand showcased their ruthlessness against Pakistan, and they solidified their standing as strong title contenders.
