Wed Feb 19 12:54:35 UTC 2025: ## Young’s Century Highlights New Zealand’s Strong Start in Champions Trophy Opener

**Karachi, Pakistan –** New Zealand made a strong start to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, posting a commanding total against Pakistan in the tournament opener at the National Stadium in Karachi today. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, New Zealand reached a score over 250 runs for the loss of four wickets.

Will Young anchored the New Zealand innings with a magnificent century (107 runs off 108 balls, including 12 fours and a six), becoming the first centurion of the Champions Trophy 2025. He shared a crucial 118-run partnership with Tom Latham. However, New Zealand’s innings wasn’t without its hiccups. Devon Conway (10) and Kane Williamson (1) fell early, while Daryl Mitchell (10) also failed to make a significant contribution. Naseem Shah was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, dismissing both Young and Williamson.

Pakistan’s bowling attack, featuring Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, managed to take wickets at crucial junctures, but ultimately couldn’t contain the New Zealand batsmen completely.

The match continues, with Pakistan needing a strong chase to overcome New Zealand’s formidable total. Further updates will be provided as the match progresses.

**Playing XIs:**

**Pakistan:** Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk/capt), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

**New Zealand:** Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke.

**Champions Trophy 2025 Group Stage Schedule (Partial):**

* February 19: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
* February 20: Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
* …and so on. (Full schedule available in the original source).

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