Pakistan need 321 runs to beat NZ in Champions Trophy 2025 opener

New Zealand achieved an impressive total of 320 runs for the loss of 5 wickets against Pakistan in the inaugural match of the ICC Champions Trophy, held at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

Choosing to bat first, Young and Latham each contributed vital centuries, forming a pivotal fourth-wicket partnership that altered the course of the match.

The innings for New Zealand commenced with difficulties as spinner Abrar Ahmed dismissed Devon Conway for 10 runs in the eighth over.

Following this, quick wickets fell as pacers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf removed Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10), leaving New Zealand at a precarious 73 for 3 in 16.2 overs.

In the face of these early challenges, wicketkeeper-batsman Latham, who had recently played a key role in securing a victory with a half-century in the tri-nation ODI series final, joined forces with Young.

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Their determined partnership of 118 runs for the fourth wicket significantly strengthened New Zealand's standing.

For Pakistan, both Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf took two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed secured one wicket.

PLAYING XIs

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William ORourke