New Zealand secured a commanding 60-run victory over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi. Tom Latham and Will Young led the charge with centuries, setting up a formidable total of 320 for 5. Pakistan hosted a global event after nearly three decades but struggled in the chase, getting dismissed for 260 in 48 overs. This defeat could jeopardize their semi-final hopes in the short tournament.
Pakistan’s chase suffered an early blow as Fakhar Zaman sustained an injury just two balls into the match while fielding. Due to his time off the field, Fakhar could not open the innings and had to bat at No. 4. By the time he arrived, Pakistan were struggling at 22 for 2 in ten overs. Unable to move freely, he struggled against New Zealand’s spinners before Bracewell bowled him for 24 off 41 balls. Babar Azam also found it tough, taking 81 balls for his fifty, leaving Pakistan with an uphill battle.
New Zealand’s bowling unit, despite missing Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears, controlled the game effectively. Spinners Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips troubled the batters, while Will O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner claimed three wickets each. With the required run rate climbing, Pakistan fell too far behind despite a late counterattack from Khushdil Shah, who smashed 69 off 49 balls.
Earlier, New Zealand’s innings had a shaky start at 73 for 3, but Young and Latham’s 150-run partnership revived them. Young, often on the fringes of selection, capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a composed 107 off 107 balls. Latham, after a poor run of form, returned to his best, finishing unbeaten on 118 off 104 balls. Glenn Phillips added a late flourish, smashing 61 off 39 balls, helping New Zealand amass 113 runs in the final ten overs.
Phillips impressed with both bat and fielding, taking a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan’s top order never recovered from the early setbacks, and despite some resistance from the lower order, they fell short. This win reinforced New Zealand’s status as serious title contenders in the tournament.
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