Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025: Kiwis Beat Babar Azam & Co. by 60 Runs With Tons From Will Young & Tom Lathan

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Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand made a strong statement in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener, defeating Pakistan by 60 runs at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19.

Centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham powered the Kiwis to a commanding 320/5, before their disciplined bowling attack bundled out Pakistan for 260 in 47.2 overs.

The defeat continued Pakistan’s struggles against New Zealand, marking their fourth consecutive loss to the Black Caps. Despite half-centuries from Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah, the hosts never looked in control of the chase, failing to build partnerships and struggling against New Zealand’s well-rounded attack.

Young and Latham Lead New Zealand to 320 in Champions Trophy 2025 Opener

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan initially gained the upper hand as Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf exploited early movement. Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1), and Daryl Mitchell (10) fell cheaply, reducing New Zealand to 73/3 in the 17th over.

However, Will Young and Tom Latham turned the game around with a composed 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Young, playing in place of the injured Rachin Ravindra, capitalised on his opportunity by scoring 107 off 113 balls, striking 12 boundaries. Latham, the New Zealand skipper, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 118 off 104 deliveries, accelerating in the latter stages.

Glenn Phillips then provided the finishing touches with an explosive 61 off 39 balls, hitting four sixes and three fours. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the runs in the final 10 overs, conceding 75 in that period. Naseem (2/63) and Haris Rauf (2/83) were among the wickets, but Pakistan’s failure to execute at the death left them chasing a daunting total.

Pakistan’s Batting Falters Under Pressure

With Fakhar Zaman unable to bat to his full capabilities due to injury, Pakistan had to shuffle their batting order. Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel opened, but both struggled to find rhythm against the new ball. Shakeel fell for 6, while Rizwan departed for just 3 after a stunning catch by Glenn Phillips.

Babar attempted to anchor the innings but played a slow knock, reaching his fifty off 81 balls. By the time he departed for 64 in the 34th over, Pakistan was already behind the required rate. Salman Agha (42 off 28) played a brisk knock, but his dismissal further dented Pakistan’s hopes.

Khushdil Shah fought valiantly, smashing 69 off 49 balls with 10 fours and a six, but lacked support from the lower order. Pakistan’s tailenders hit a few sixes to reduce the margin of defeat, but the outcome was never in doubt.

New Zealand’s bowlers stuck to their plans brilliantly. Will O’Rourke (3/47) made key breakthroughs, Mitchell Santner (3/66) provided control in the middle overs, and Matt Henry (2/25) wrapped up the innings clinically.

Pakistan’s Road Ahead in Champions Trophy 2025

This loss puts Pakistan in a tricky position in Group A, with tougher challenges ahead. Their bowling inconsistencies and inability to accelerate in run chases remain major concerns. New Zealand, on the other hand, will take confidence from their dominant performance and look to build on this momentum.