New Zealand defeats Pakistan in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener

New Zealand claimed a dominant 60-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday. A brilliant century from Will Young and an unbeaten century from Tom Latham, combined with a strong bowling performance, guided the Blackcaps to a comfortable win.

Chasing a daunting target of 321 runs, Pakistan's batting line-up struggled under pressure and was bowled out for 260 in 48 overs. Despite solid contributions from Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69), the home side’s pursuit faltered early, leading to their downfall.

Pakistan had a poor start in their chase, quickly finding themselves at 22/2 in the first 10 overs, with captain Mohammad Rizwan (3) and Saud Shakeel (6) both dismissed cheaply. Fakhar Zaman then joined Babar Azam at the crease, and the pair managed to add 47 runs to the total before Fakhar fell to Michael Bracewell in the 21st over, scoring 24 off 41 balls.

Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha provided a brief fightback, scoring a quick 42 runs before being dismissed by Nathan Smith in the 31st over. Pakistan lost two more wickets in quick succession, including the crucial one of Babar Azam, leaving the team at 153/6 after 34 overs.

Babar played a cautious innings, scoring 64 off 90 balls, with six boundaries and a six. Khushdil Shah, coming in at number seven, counter-attacked, hitting 10 fours and a six in his 69 off 49 balls. However, his effort was cut short in the 44th over by Will O’Rourke, leaving Pakistan just two wickets away from defeat.

Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, the tailenders, tried to resist, but their efforts were not enough to save the match for Pakistan.

Mitchell Santner and O’Rourke were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, each taking three wickets, while Matt Henry contributed with two.

Earlier, New Zealand had set a target of 321 runs, posting 320/5 in their 50 overs. The Blackcaps got off to a rocky start, losing Devon Conway (10) early, courtesy of a brilliant delivery from Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed. New Zealand suffered two more quick wickets, with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf dismissing Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10), leaving the visitors at 73/3 in 16.2 overs.

However, Latham and Young steadied the ship with a strong 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Young went on to score 107 off 113 balls, with 12 boundaries and a six before being dismissed by Naseem Shah in the 38th over. Latham, however, remained solid at the crease, finishing with an unbeaten 118 off 104 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes.

Glenn Phillips provided valuable support, adding 61 runs from 39 balls, which helped New Zealand reach a competitive total of 320.

For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf took two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed claimed one.

New Zealand’s well-rounded performance in both batting and bowling ensured they secured a 60-run win, putting them in a strong position in the Champions Trophy.