In the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi, New Zealand posted 320/5 against Pakistan, powered by centuries from Tom Latham (118*) and Will Young (107). Despite early wickets, including Kane Williamson’s dismissal, Young and Latham built a vital partnership. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled, notably Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who allowed over six runs per over. Tensions peaked in the 47th over when Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan angrily gestured at Afridi after a boundary off a good delivery. New Zealand finished strong, with Glenn Phillips scoring 61 off 39 balls, while Naseem Shah was Pakistan’s standout bowler with 2/63.
Tempers flared during the Champions Trophy opener between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday, as the home team’s bowlers faced relentless pressure from the visitors’ batters. Tom Latham (118*) and Will Young (107) each scored impressive centuries, leading New Zealand to a total of 320/5 in 50 overs. The renowned Pakistan bowling attack struggled, with Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah all allowing more than six runs per over. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan showed visible frustration on multiple occasions, notably in the 47th over.
The incident occurred when Latham was challenged by a delivery from Shaheen, but the resulting outside edge sent the ball racing to the boundary. While the delivery appeared perfectly fine, Rizwan reacted with palpable irritation, gesturing aggressively towards Shaheen. The former Pakistan captain did not take it silently and shot back sharply. Commentator Simon Doull, a former New Zealand fast bowler, noted, “I’m sorry, but you cannot berate the bowler there. It was genuinely a good delivery.”
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Shaheen Afridi responds to Mohammad Rizwan after the Pakistan captain’s unnecessary argument
The altercation took place in the 47th over. New Zealand, comfortably placed at 265/4, had a close escape when a delivery from Shaheen beat Latham but ended up edging for…
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New Zealand made a strong start to their Champions Trophy campaign, setting a challenging total of 320/5 against hosts Pakistan in their Group A match in Karachi. The innings was underpinned by brilliant centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, who helped Kiwis recover from early setbacks.
After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to field first. Their decision initially seemed beneficial as spinner Abrar Ahmed struck early, dismissing Devon Conway for 10 with the score at 39. Just one over later, Naseem Shah removed Kane Williamson for a single, leaving New Zealand at 40/2 in 8.1 overs. The Kiwis managed to reach 48/2 by the end of the first powerplay.
Daryl Mitchell fell next, managing just 10 runs before being sent back by Haris Rauf. With New Zealand struggling at 73/3 in 16.2 overs, opener Will Young and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham steadied the innings, forging a critical 118-run partnership.
Young spearheaded the recovery with a finely crafted century, scoring 107 off 113 balls, which included 12 fours and a six. His innings concluded when Naseem Shah dismissed him as New Zealand stood at 191/4 in the 37.2 overs. Latham soon reached his century, completing 118 runs from 104 deliveries, with 10 fours and three sixes, remaining unbeaten.
Glenn Phillips contributed with the finishing touches, scoring a brisk 61 off 39 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes to help New Zealand surpass the 300-run mark. The Kiwis piled up 113 runs in their last ten overs.
Among the Pakistan bowlers, Naseem Shah emerged as the standout performer with figures of 2/63 in his 10 overs. Haris Rauf also took two wickets but was costly, finishing with 2/83, while Abrar Ahmed bagged one. Shaheen Shah Afridi had an off day, going wicketless in his 10 overs and conceding 68 runs.
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