Wed Feb 19 17:21:50 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Post 320/5 Against Pakistan in Champions Trophy Opener Amidst Heated Exchange

**Karachi, Pakistan** – New Zealand stormed to a commanding 320/5 in their Champions Trophy Group A opener against Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday, setting a challenging target for the hosts. Centuries from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*) spearheaded the Kiwi’s impressive innings, despite early setbacks that saw them reduced to 40/2.

Young and Latham orchestrated a crucial 118-run partnership to steady the innings after the dismissals of Devon Conway (10) and Kane Williamson (1). Daryl Mitchell’s brief stay at the crease (10) added to Pakistan’s initial optimism, but the experienced batting duo took control, building a formidable foundation for a late flurry of runs. Young’s innings included 12 fours and a six, while Latham’s unbeaten 118 came off just 104 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and three sixes. Glenn Phillips added a quickfire 61 (39 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes) to push the final tally past 300.

Pakistan’s bowling attack, featuring Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, struggled to contain the New Zealand onslaught, conceding over six runs per over. Naseem Shah was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, finishing with figures of 2/63, while Haris Rauf took 2/83. Abrar Ahmed claimed one wicket. Shaheen Afridi went wicketless, conceding a costly 68 runs.

The match was not without controversy. Tempers flared in the 47th over when a seemingly good delivery from Shaheen Afridi that beat Tom Latham’s edge and raced to the boundary prompted an angry outburst from Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan’s aggressive reaction towards Afridi was met with a sharp retort from the bowler, an incident that commentator Simon Doull described as unacceptable.

Pakistan now face a significant challenge chasing down New Zealand’s substantial total in their bid to win their opening match of the Champions Trophy.

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