New Delhi: New Zealand kicked off their Champions Trophy campaign in style, thrashing Pakistan by 60 runs in the tournament opener at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday. The match marked the return of a major global cricket tournament to Pakistan after nearly three decades, with the last one being the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

The Kiwis dominated the contest, thanks to *centuries from Will Young (107) and skipper Tom Latham (118)**, along with a blistering 61 off 39 balls from Glenn Phillips. Their combined effort powered New Zealand to 320/5 in 50 overs—a total that proved too steep for Pakistan, who folded for 260 in 47.2 overs.

Latham & Young Power New Zealand to 320/5

Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to capitalize on the evening dew factor in Karachi. However, the decision backfired as Young and Latham played match-defining knocks, steering the Black Caps to a formidable total.

Key Batting Highlights:
Will Young (107 off 113 balls) – Anchored the innings after an early collapse.
Tom Latham (118 off 109 balls)* – Finished unbeaten, playing a captain’s knock.
Glenn Phillips (61 off 39 balls) – Provided the late-innings acceleration.

New Zealand found themselves in trouble at 73/3 in the 17th over, but Young and Latham steadied the innings with a 118-run fourth-wicket stand. Once Young fell after reaching his fourth ODI hundred, Latham and Phillips took apart Pakistan’s bowling in the last 10 overs.

Young's Century Stats:

• 12 boundaries & 1 six
• Fourth ODI hundred
• Included in the playing XI due to Rachin Ravindra’s injury

Latham's Century Stats:

• 10 fours & 3 sixes
• Eighth ODI hundred
• Unbeaten captain’s knock

Pakistan Falter in Run Chase

Set a target of 321, Pakistan struggled to build momentum as New Zealand's bowlers kept control. The chase never looked convincing, and wickets fell at regular intervals.

Pakistan’s Batting Highlights:
Khushdil Shah (69 off 49 balls) – Top-scored with an aggressive knock.
Babar Azam (64 off 90 balls) – Held one end but lacked support.

However, the required run rate kept mounting, and Pakistan ultimately collapsed for 260 in 47.2 overs.

New Zealand’s Best Bowlers:
Will O’Rourke (3/47) – Made crucial breakthroughs.
Mitchell Santner (3/66) – Controlled the middle overs.

Rare Feat: Two Centuries in a Champions Trophy Innings

The Young-Latham century double act was only the fifth time in Champions Trophy history that two batters from the same team scored centuries in the same innings.

Previous Instances:

Match Summary

New Zealand: 320/5 in 50 overs
Will Young 107, Tom Latham 118, Glenn Phillips 61*
Best Bowler for Pakistan: Naseem Shah (2/63)

Pakistan: 260 all out in 47.2 overs
Babar Azam 64, Khushdil Shah 69
Best Bowlers for New Zealand: Will O’Rourke (3/47), Mitchell Santner (3/66)

Result: New Zealand won by 60 runs.

Final Thoughts

New Zealand’s clinical performance in the tournament opener sets the tone for their campaign, while Pakistan will need to bounce back quickly after this disappointing loss. With Will Young and Tom Latham delivering a historic batting performance, the Black Caps look like serious contenders in the Champions Trophy.

Can Pakistan recover in their next game, or will New Zealand continue their dominant run?