New Zealand received off to a flying begin within the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as they registered a convincing 60-run victory over Pakistan within the opening match of Group A on the Nationwide Stadium. Using on splendid centuries from Will Younger and Tom Latham, the Blackcaps set a frightening goal of 321, which proved too steep for the hosts regardless of a late fightback from Khushdil Shah.
Will Younger and Tom Latham lead New Zealand’s cost
Opting to bowl first after successful the toss, Pakistan struck early as Naseem Shah dismissed Devon Conway (10) and Kane Williamson (1) cheaply. Nonetheless, Younger held agency and anchored the innings with a well-crafted 107 off 113 balls. His innings was laced with 12 boundaries and a six, guaranteeing New Zealand recovered from the early jolts.
Latham then took cost, taking part in 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 supplied the final touch with a blistering 61 off 39 deliveries, guiding New Zealand to a formidable whole of 320/5 in 50 overs.
Amongst Pakistan’s bowlers, Naseem (2/63) and Haris Rauf (2/83) have been the one ones who made breakthroughs, whereas Abrar Ahmed (1/47) bowled economically. Nonetheless, Shaheen Afridi had an off day, conceding 68 runs with out selecting up a wicket.
Pakistan falter in run chase Regardless of Khushdil Shah’s heroics
Chasing 321, Pakistan’s prime order struggled in opposition to disciplined bowling from New Zealand. Babar Azam tried to regular the ship with a cautious 64 off 90 balls, however wickets stored falling at common intervals. Saud Shakeel (6), Mohammad Rizwan (3), and Tayyab Tahir (1) did not make an impression, leaving Pakistan in serious trouble.
Amidst the collapse, Agha Salman performed an aggressive knock of 42 off 28 balls, hanging six boundaries and a six. Nonetheless, it was Khushdil who supplied Pakistan a glimmer of hope with a valiant 69 off simply 49 balls, that includes 10 fours and a six. He was effectively supported by cameos from Afridi (14), Naseem (13), and Rauf (19), however the goal proved too steep as Pakistan have been bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
Additionally 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 completely, guaranteeing Pakistan by no means gained momentum within the chase. William O’Rourke (3/47) and Mitchell Santner (3/66) have been the decide of the bowlers, troubling the Pakistani batters with their variations. Matt Henry (2/25) supplied essential early breakthroughs, whereas Michael Bracewell (1/38) and Nathan Smith (1/20) chipped in to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup.
With this complete win, New Zealand have taken an early lead in Group A, boosting their confidence for the rest of the match. Pakistan, however, might want to regroup shortly and deal with their batting woes forward of their subsequent fixture.
Right here is how Twitter reacted:
Scientific win from NZ! Essential tons from Younger and Latham however Phillips was the distinction between 280 and 320. I feel stress received to Pak, they performed too many dot balls and likewise Fakhar might have been utilized in powerplay contemplating his harm considerations. #PAKvNZ #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/Zsbn36IB3P
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 19, 2025
Centuries in opposition to Pakistan in Champions Trophy
118* – Tom Latham🇳🇿 TODAY
107 – Will Younger🇳🇿 TODAY
102* – Sanath Jayasuriya🇱🇰 in 20021998 to 2017 – 1 century
In the present day – 2 centuries pic.twitter.com/GaaKQtb4FU— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) February 19, 2025
The one optimistic factor in right now’s match was Khushdil’s inning.
He was underneath stress and just lately criticised rather a lot, however he proved himself.#ChampionsTrophy2025 #PAKvNZ— Junaid khan (@JunaidkhanREAL) February 19, 2025
Man of the match pic.twitter.com/Ja1mCZkq7l
— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) February 19, 2025
Good centuries from Will Younger and Tom Latham, and unreal hitting from Glenn Phillips on the finish.
Bowling & Fielding dominating efficiency made it potential. 😉Nicely performed my favorites 🥳 pic.twitter.com/HjyWxvwn2H
— 🕊️…:)♡ (@ramanpreetcor_9) February 19, 2025
New Zealand as at all times at their finest in ICC occasions. A dominant win in opposition to the hosts Pakistan, whom now, received three matches in a row in opposition to them at their residence! Simply good is not it! Centuries from Younger & Latham powers them to a thumping victory.#PakvsNz #CT25
— Siva Okay Varma (@varmashivakumar) February 19, 2025
Congratulations New Zealand…
Received the Match by 60 Runs in opposition to Pakistan.Will Younger (107), Tom Latham (118), Glenn Philips (61) Marvelous Batting.
Bowling & Fielding dominating efficiency made it potential.#ICCChampionsTrophy2025#NZvPAK#ChampionsTrophy#ICCChampionsTrophy— Ar_Kumar (@ARKumarSSVPD) February 19, 2025
New Zealand defeated Pakistan within the first match of Champions Trophy 2025 💪#PAKvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025
Scorecard: https://t.co/N1PblopmR2 pic.twitter.com/OLDuh9IJYV— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 19, 2025
You may say that batting was, possibly, more durable batting second, that it turned extra….no matter. However I’d think about some very stern questions can be requested of the Pakistan prime three.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 19, 2025
Pathetic significantly 😔🤞😭#PakistanCricket #ChampionsTrophy2025
— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) February 19, 2025
Stunning defence by babar Azam making an attempt to get by the brand new ball until lunch . #PakistanCricket #PAKvNZ
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) February 19, 2025
Babar has a advantageous ODI file on paper. However these stats do not inform the story of far too many innings like right now the place he places stress on his teammates & leaves his group requiring a miracle. Fairly innings that do not threaten the opposition.
— Adam Sutherland (@AdamSants_) February 19, 2025
The proper finish to this innings from Pakistan is to ship out the assistant fielding coach for the press convention.
— Jarrod Kimber (@ajarrodkimber) February 19, 2025
