Wed Feb 19 17:30:00 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Thrashes Pakistan by 60 Runs in Champions Trophy Opener
**Karachi, Pakistan:** New Zealand dominated Pakistan in the opening match of the Champions Trophy, securing a convincing 60-run victory at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, New Zealand posted a challenging 320/5, fueled by centuries from Tom Latham (118) and Will Young (107), and a solid 61 from Glenn Phillips. Latham was named Player of the Match for his crucial innings. William O’Rourke and captain Mitchell Santner each claimed three wickets for New Zealand.
Pakistan’s chase was hampered by slow batting from their top order. Despite a late flourish from Khushdil Shah (69 off 49 balls, including 10 fours and a six), Pakistan was unable to overcome the deficit, ultimately bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs. Babar Azam (64) and Fakhar Zaman (24) struggled to accelerate, their slow innings significantly hindering Pakistan’s pursuit of the target. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf took two wickets apiece for Pakistan. The poor start, losing two wickets for 22 runs, and the slow pace of the innings proved fatal to Pakistan’s chances. The New Zealand bowlers, particularly O’Rourke and Santner, kept the pressure on throughout the Pakistan innings. The win marks a strong start for New Zealand in the tournament.
First Piper 