New Zealand defeats Pakistan by 60 runs in Champions Trophy opener

Tom Latham and Will Young hit centuries as New Zealand outplays Pakistan in Karachi.

Tom Latham of New Zealand plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against Pakistan at National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan, on February 19, 2025. Photo by Chris Hyde/ICC/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Adila Ghina

New Zealand opened their Champions Trophy campaign with a commanding 60-run win over Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday, overshadowing the host nation's return to staging an International Cricket Council (ICC) event after nearly three decades.

Tom Latham and Will Young delivered outstanding centuries to power New Zealand to 320-5 in 50 overs, a total that proved beyond Pakistan's reach. Despite a strong turnout at the National Stadium, including the presence of President Asif Zardari, Pakistan faltered in their chase and were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.

Pakistan’s top-order struggles meant they were never in serious contention. Khushdil Shah provided some late fireworks with a 49-ball 69, hitting 10 boundaries and a six, while Babar Azam played a more measured knock of 64 from 90 balls, including six fours and a six. Salman Agha also chipped in with 42, but none of them could match the dominance of Latham and Young.

New Zealand's pacer Will O'Rourke claimed 3-47, while captain Mitchell Santner finished with 3-66, helping the Black Caps extend their winning streak against Pakistan after two recent tri-series victories.

Pakistan’s long-awaited return to hosting ICC events

Pakistan last hosted a major ICC event in 1996 when they co-hosted the World Cup alongside India and Sri Lanka. Due to security concerns, the country has since been largely sidelined from hosting global tournaments. The 2025 Champions Trophy marks their return, with matches scheduled across three cities in Pakistan. However, some fixtures, including the highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and India, will be played in Dubai due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan.

The tournament’s opening was marked by a Pakistan Air Force flyover, adding to the spectacle at the National Stadium. With the home crowd and dignitaries in attendance, the pressure was on Pakistan to deliver a strong performance, but New Zealand quickly took control.

Latham and Young dominate with centuries

Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first, but the decision backfired as opener Will Young set the tone with a superb 107 from 113 balls. Latham, batting in the middle order, remained unbeaten on 118 from 104 deliveries, ensuring New Zealand capitalized on their solid foundation.

Despite early setbacks—losing Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1), and Daryl Mitchell (10)—Young and Latham rebuilt with a crucial 118-run stand for the fourth wicket. Young struck 12 fours and a six before falling to Naseem Shah in the 38th over.

Latham then accelerated the innings alongside Glenn Phillips, who smashed a 39-ball 61. The duo added 113 runs in the final 10 overs, with New Zealand plundering 64 runs from the last five overs. Latham’s eighth ODI century featured 10 fours and three sixes, while Phillips hammered four sixes and three boundaries.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught. Naseem Shah emerged as the most effective with 2-63, but Haris Rauf was expensive, conceding 83 runs for his two wickets. Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s pace spearhead, endured a tough outing, going wicketless in his 10 overs while conceding 68 runs.

Pakistan’s uphill battle in Group A

The defeat puts Pakistan in a difficult position in Group A, with their next match against arch-rivals India in Dubai on Sunday. A loss in that encounter would significantly dent their chances of reaching the semi-finals. Pakistan will then face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27, needing a strong turnaround to keep their hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Group B consists of Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, setting up a highly competitive road to the final.

For Pakistan, the pressure is mounting as they seek to avoid an early exit from a tournament they are hosting for the first time in nearly 30 years.