PAK vs NZ Champions Trophy match highlights: Pakistan’s Babar Azam (64 off 90) and Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) put up a valiant fight while chasing a daunting 320-run target at the National Stadium in Karachi. However, with little support from the rest of the batting lineup, Pakistan fell short as New Zealand secured a thumping 60-run win in the Champions Trophy opener on Wednesday (February 19).
New Zealand continued their unbeaten run against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, securing their fourth consecutive victory over them in the tournament’s history. For the third time in recent weeks, Pakistan found themselves outplayed by the Kiwis on home soil.
Kiwis post a formidable total of 320 runs in 50 overs
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first, making early inroads into New Zealand’s top order. However, centuries from Will Young (107 runs off 113 balls) and Tom Latham (118 runs off 104 balls) powered the Kiwis to a formidable total of 320 runs in 50 overs with five wickets down.
Will Young’s match-defining century
Opener Will Young became the first batter to score a century in 2025 edition of Champions Trophy, anchoring New Zealand’s innings with a well-crafted 107 off 113 balls.
His knock, laced with 12 fours and a six, was key in stabilizing NZ’s innings after an early collapse saw them reeling at 73/3. Will Young forged a crucial 118-run stand with Tom Latham before falling to Naseem Shah as the fourth wicket.
Latham and Phillips propel New Zealand
Tom Latham carried the momentum forward, crafting a brilliant unbeaten 115 off 103 deliveries, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. His partnerships were key, first with Young and then with Glenn Phillips, who played a fiery knock of 61 off just 39 balls. Their aggressive batting took New Zealand to an imposing 320/5 in 50 overs.
Pakistan’s bowling falters after early success
Despite early breakthroughs, Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to maintain pressure. Naseem Shah finished with figures of 2/63 in 10 overs, while leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was economical, conceding just 47 runs with one wicket.
However, Pakistan’s leading pacer Shaheen Afridi remained wicketless, giving away 68 runs in his 10-over spell, and Haris Rauf proved expensive, leaking 83 runs for his two wickets.
