Islamabad, Feb 19: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began with an electrifying clash between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham powered New Zealand to a strong total of 321 runs, setting a competitive target for Pakistan in the tournament opener.
Pakistan made an early impact, striking twice within the first 10 overs. Abrar Ahmed dismissed Devon Conway for just 10 runs off 17 balls in the eighth over. The pressure continued as Naseem Shah removed Kane Williamson for a mere 1 run in the following over, reducing New Zealand to 40-2.
Will Young and Daryl Mitchell then attempted to stabilize the innings with a 33-run stand, but Haris Rauf broke the partnership by dismissing Mitchell for 10. At 73-3, Tom Latham joined Will Young at the crease, and the duo turned the game around with a remarkable 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Will Young played a commanding knock of 107 runs off 113 balls, including 12 boundaries and a six, before Naseem Shah struck again to end his innings. However, Tom Latham carried on the momentum, registering an unbeaten 118 off 104 deliveries. His innings featured 10 fours and three sixes, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
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Glenn Phillips added fireworks to the innings with a blistering 61 off just 39 balls, boasting a strike rate of 156. His aggressive approach, including four sixes and three fours, helped New Zealand finish strong at 320-5 in their allotted 50 overs.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf each claimed two wickets, conceding 63 and 83 runs respectively, while Abrar Ahmed took one wicket for 47 runs in his full quota of 10 overs.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first. New Zealand entered the tournament with high confidence, having won the tri-nation series against Pakistan and South Africa.
Historically, Pakistan and New Zealand have faced off in 118 ODIs, with Pakistan leading the head-to-head record with 61 victories compared to New Zealand’s 53. Three matches ended without a result, while one concluded in a tie.
Squads
Pakistan:
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand:
Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy marks Pakistan’s first time hosting the prestigious event in nearly three decades. The eight-team tournament spans 19 days, featuring 15 matches across venues in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, along with a few matches in Dubai, UAE. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ensured world-class arrangements to host an exciting and competitive event.
