Wed Feb 19 18:18:22 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand defeats defending champions Pakistan by 60 runs in Champions Trophy opener
**Karachi, Pakistan:** New Zealand has started the Champions Trophy with a resounding victory, defeating defending champions Pakistan by 60 runs in the tournament opener at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a challenging 320/5, thanks to centuries from Tom Latham (126) and Will Young (107), and a solid 54 from Glenn Phillips. Pakistan’s Nasim Shah took 2 wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf each claimed one. Despite half-centuries from Khushdil Shah (69) and Babar Azam (64), and a quick-fire 42 from Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan was bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs. William O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner were the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, each taking 3 wickets. Matt Henry also contributed 2 wickets.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets inside the first 10 overs. While Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman steadied the ship, their slow scoring rate hampered the chase. The middle order also struggled to maintain the required run rate, despite contributions from Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah. Ultimately, the pressure proved too much for Pakistan, as they fell well short of the target.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner highlighted the importance of adapting to Karachi’s conditions and expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance despite some injury concerns. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan opted to bowl first, hoping to utilize the expected evening dew.
The match saw several notable individual performances, including Latham’s 8th ODI century and Young’s fourth. The victory marks New Zealand’s fourth win against Pakistan in Champions Trophy matches. The tournament’s return to Pakistan after a 29-year absence marks a significant event for the country’s cricket fans.
First Piper 