By Zainab Shafiq 
In the opening match of Group A in the ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand secured a convincing 60-run win over Pakistan at Karachi’s National Stadium. A stellar unbeaten century from Tom Latham powered New Zealand to a formidable total of 320/5. Despite valiant efforts from Pakistan’s middle order, the hosts fell short, folding for 260 in 47.2 overs.
Opting to field first, Pakistan struck early by dismissing Devon Conway (10) and Kane Williamson (1) cheaply. However, opener Will Young anchored New Zealand’s innings with a well-paced 107 off 113 balls, featuring 12 boundaries and a six. Young and Latham consolidated the innings with a critical 118-run partnership before Haris Rauf dismissed Young.
Tom Latham then took charge, amassing an impressive 118 off 104 balls with 10 fours and three sixes. He was ably supported by Glenn Phillips, who blasted 61 off 39 balls at a strike rate of 156.41. The duo’s late assault propelled New Zealand past 300, with 113 runs scored in the final 10 overs. Pakistan’s bowling struggled to contain the onslaught, with Haris Rauf conceding 83 runs despite picking up two wickets. Naseem Shah (2/63) and Abrar Ahmed (1/47) were the pick of the bowlers.
Chasing 321, Pakistan got off to a shaky start, losing Saud Shakeel (6) and captain Mohammad Rizwan (3) within the first 10 overs. Babar Azam steadied the innings with a composed 64 off 90 balls, but the required run rate kept climbing. Salman Agha (42 off 28) provided some momentum, but wickets continued to tumble.
Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan vs New Zealand Highlights
Khushdil Shah emerged as Pakistan’s standout performer, smashing 69 off 49 balls, including 10 boundaries and a six. However, his dismissal in the 44th over, caught off Will O’Rourke, marked the end of Pakistan’s hopes. Matt Henry (2/25) and Mitchell Santner (3/66) delivered key breakthroughs for New Zealand, while O’Rourke’s 3/47 proved decisive.
Tom Latham was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten century and leadership behind the stumps. His calculated acceleration in the latter half of the innings was instrumental in setting an imposing target.
New Zealand’s victory earned them two points and a strong start to the tournament, while Pakistan must regroup ahead of their next fixture. European umpire Richard Kettleborough officiated the match alongside Sharfuddoula (Bangladesh) and TV umpire Joel Wilson (West Indies). New Zealand’s comprehensive performance, highlighted by Latham’s heroics, has made them early favourites in Group A.
Also, see:
List of commentators for Champions Trophy 2025