Thu Feb 20 04:18:18 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Thrashes Pakistan by 60 Runs in Champions Trophy Opener
**Karachi, Pakistan:** New Zealand dominated the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025, defeating Pakistan by a convincing 60-run margin at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday. Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to field, a decision they would later regret.
New Zealand posted a challenging 320/5 in their allotted 50 overs, fueled by centuries from openers Will Young (107 runs off 113 balls) and Tom Latham (118 runs off 104 balls). Glenn Phillips also contributed a rapid 61 off 39 balls.
Pakistan’s chase was hampered early when opener Fakhar Zaman suffered a minor injury in the first over while attempting a boundary save. Despite returning to the field, Zaman struggled, managing only 24 runs. While Babar Azam (64 off 90) and Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) offered resistance with half-centuries, their efforts were insufficient to overcome the substantial target. Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
William O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner led the New Zealand bowling attack, each claiming three wickets. Matt Henry took two wickets, while Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith each contributed one. For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf each snagged two wickets apiece.
The match saw a thrilling display of batting from New Zealand, with two centuries and a flurry of boundaries, but ultimately, Pakistan’s batting lineup couldn’t match their opponents’ firepower, leading to a comprehensive defeat. The tournament’s early stages have already showcased a high-scoring and exciting brand of cricket.
First Piper 