Latham and Young Lead New Zealand to Dominant Victory Over Pakistan
New Zealand kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a commanding 60-run victory over Pakistan in Karachi, thanks to stunning centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young.
New Zealand Posts Massive Total Despite Early Setbacks
After being put in to bat, New Zealand faced early pressure, losing three wickets quickly—including skipper Kane Williamson, who was dismissed for just one run by a superb Naseem Shah delivery.
However, Young (107 off 113 balls) and Latham (118 off 104 balls)* steadied the innings with a crucial 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Latham then accelerated, forming another 125-run stand with Glenn Phillips, who smashed a rapid 61 off 39 balls, helping the Black Caps reach a formidable 320-5 in 50 overs.
Pakistan’s Chase Falls Short After Slow Start
Pakistan’s response never gained momentum. A cautious start saw them struggle early, and a stunning one-handed catch from Phillips at backward point removed Muhammad Rizwan, leaving them at 22-2 in the powerplay.
While Babar Azam (64 off 90) and Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) attempted to revive the innings, Pakistan’s slow start meant the required rate kept climbing. Will O’Rourke (3-47) and Mitchell Santner ensured there was no late comeback, bowling Pakistan out for 260 in 47.2 overs.
New Zealand’s Tactical Approach Pays Off
Unlike modern T20-inspired ODI strategies, New Zealand played a textbook 50-over game, pacing their innings before launching an aggressive final 10 overs. Their calculated approach put them in control, while Pakistan’s sluggish start cost them the match, despite their lower-order fireworks.
What’s Next in the Champions Trophy?
- Pakistan vs India: A must-win game for Pakistan on Sunday in Dubai—another defeat could see them eliminated.
- New Zealand vs Bangladesh: The Black Caps take on Bangladesh on Monday in Rawalpindi.
With this emphatic win, New Zealand has sent a strong message to their rivals, proving once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in global tournaments.
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Liverpool | 28 | 20 | 7 | 1 | 66 | 26 | 40 | 67 |
| 2 |  Arsenal | 27 | 15 | 9 | 3 | 51 | 23 | 38 | 54 |
| 3 |  Nottingham Forest | 27 | 14 | 6 | 7 | 44 | 33 | 11 | 48 |
| 4 |  Man City | 27 | 14 | 5 | 8 | 53 | 37 | 16 | 47 |
| 5 |  Chelsea | 27 | 13 | 7 | 7 | 52 | 36 | 16 | 46 |
| 6 |  Newcastle | 27 | 13 | 5 | 9 | 46 | 38 | 8 | 44 |
| 7 |  Bournemouth | 27 | 12 | 7 | 8 | 45 | 32 | 13 | 43 |
| 8 |  Brighton | 27 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 44 | 39 | 5 | 43 |
| 9 |  Fulham | 27 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 40 | 36 | 4 | 42 |
| 10 |  Aston Villa | 28 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 40 | 45 | -5 | 42 |
| 11 |  Brentford | 27 | 11 | 5 | 11 | 48 | 43 | 5 | 38 |
| 12 |  Crystal Palace | 27 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 35 | 33 | 2 | 36 |
| 13 |  Tottenham | 27 | 10 | 3 | 14 | 53 | 39 | 14 | 33 |
| 14 |  Man United | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 33 | 39 | -6 | 33 |
| 15 |  West Ham | 27 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 32 | 47 | -15 | 33 |
| 16 |  Everton | 27 | 7 | 11 | 9 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 32 |
| 17 |  Wolves | 27 | 6 | 4 | 17 | 37 | 56 | -19 | 22 |
| 18 |  Ipswich | 27 | 3 | 8 | 16 | 26 | 57 | -31 | 17 |
| 19 |  Leicester | 27 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 25 | 61 | -36 | 17 |
| 20 |  Southampton | 27 | 2 | 3 | 22 | 19 | 65 | -46 | 9 |