• New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the opening match of Champions Trophy 2025.

  • Tom Latham earned the Player of the Match for his splendid century.

Twitter reactions: Tom Latham, Will Young sizzle in New Zealand’s emphatic win over Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 opener
New Zealand beat Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 (Image Source: X)

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New Zealand got off to a flying start in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as they registered a convincing 60-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of Group A at the National Stadium. Riding on splendid centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, the Blackcaps set a daunting target of 321, which proved too steep for the hosts despite a late fightback from Khushdil Shah.

Will Young and Tom Latham lead New Zealand’s charge

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan struck early as Naseem Shah dismissed Devon Conway (10) and Kane Williamson (1) cheaply. However, Young held firm and anchored the innings with a well-crafted 107 off 113 balls. His innings was laced with 12 boundaries and a six, ensuring New Zealand recovered from the early jolts.

Latham then took charge, playing a captain’s knock of 118 off 104 balls. His fluent strokeplay, which included 10 fours and three sixes, gave the innings the required acceleration. Glenn Phillips provided the finishing touch with a blistering 61 off 39 deliveries, guiding New Zealand to a formidable total of 320/5 in 50 overs.

Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Naseem (2/63) and Haris Rauf (2/83) were the only ones who made breakthroughs, while Abrar Ahmed (1/47) bowled economically. However, Shaheen Afridi had an off day, conceding 68 runs without picking up a wicket.

Pakistan falter in run chase Despite Khushdil Shah’s heroics

Chasing 321, Pakistan’s top order struggled against disciplined bowling from New Zealand. Babar Azam tried to steady the ship with a cautious 64 off 90 balls, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Saud Shakeel (6), Mohammad Rizwan (3), and Tayyab Tahir (1) failed to make an impact, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble.

Amidst the collapse, Agha Salman played an aggressive knock of 42 off 28 balls, striking six boundaries and a six. However, it was Khushdil who provided Pakistan a glimmer of hope with a valiant 69 off just 49 balls, featuring 10 fours and a six. He was well supported by cameos from Afridi (14), Naseem (13), and Rauf (19), but the target proved too steep as Pakistan were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.

Also READ: PAK vs NZ: Fans brutally troll Babar Azam for his slow knock during opening game of Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand’s bowlers seal the deal

New Zealand’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly, ensuring Pakistan never gained momentum in the chase. William O’Rourke (3/47) and Mitchell Santner (3/66) were the pick of the bowlers, troubling the Pakistani batters with their variations. Matt Henry (2/25) provided crucial early breakthroughs, while Michael Bracewell (1/38) and Nathan Smith (1/20) chipped in to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup.

With this comprehensive win, New Zealand have taken an early lead in Group A, boosting their confidence for the remainder of the tournament. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and address their batting woes ahead of their next fixture.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

Also WATCH: Glenn Phillips plucks a one-handed screamer to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan in PAK vs NZ clash – Champions Trophy 2025

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AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.