New Zealand Seals Victory Over Pakistan with Key Contributions from Latham and Young

Nikii Author February 20, 2025 1:59 am

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Media caption: Latham & Young star as New Zealand thrash Pakistan – highlights

Published on February 19, 2025 | 190 Comments

ICC Champions Trophy Group A, Karachi:

New Zealand: 320-5 (50 overs)

Latham: 118* (104)
Young: 107 (113)

Pakistan: 260 (47.2 overs)

Naseem Shah: 2-63
Khushdil Shah: 69 (49)
Babar Azam: 64 (90)

O’Rourke: 3-47

Scorecard

Centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young set New Zealand on their way to a convincing 60-run win over hosts Pakistan in the opening game of the Champions Trophy. The Black Caps were put in to bat in Karachi, but despite losing three early wickets, they kept their composure with a superbly-paced innings, totaling 320-5.

Opener Young, stepping up due to an injury to Rachin Ravindra, set the tone for New Zealand’s victory by scoring 107 runs in just 104 balls. He formed a strong partnership of 118 with Latham for the fourth wicket. Test skipper Latham then pushed on and completed his century from only 95 balls.

Latham went on to score an unbeaten innings of 118 runs off just 104 balls, combining effectively with Glenn Phillips (61 runs in 39 balls) for a stand of 125. As the game progressed, New Zealand’s performance only improved as they continued to dominate.

Pakistans chase struggled out of the blocks and was further hampered by Youngs brilliant one-handed catch at backward point that dismissed Muhammad Rizwan. This left Pakistan with 22 runs for two wickets at the end of the powerplay, setting a slow start despite some intent from Salman Ali Agha (42 off 28 balls). Babar Azam tried to revive their innings but was dismissed by Mitchell Santner for just 64.

Khushdil Shah provided a glimmer of hope with an attacking knock of 69 runs, but his dismissal in the final over spelled doom for Pakistan. They were ultimately bowled out for 260 runs in their 48th over by Will O’Rourke (3-47), securing New Zealands victory.

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Media caption: ‘Superman does it again!’ – Phillips makes outstanding catch

“Score we got was well above par” – reaction

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan said, “They put a good target on the board C 320 runs wasnt expected. The partnerships were crucial and they played very smartly.”

Player of the match, New Zealands Tom Latham commented, Will Young played fantastically well. The longer we batted together, the more confident our run-rate became with these boundary-friendly surfaces.

“Glenn Phillips outstanding catch at backward point was crucial for us and helped increase our momentum towards the end.”

Next Up

Pakistan will face India in their next match on Sunday in Dubai. Another defeat might mean an early exit from Group A, while New Zealand take on Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Monday.