New Zealand Stuns Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025 Opener

New Zealand delivered a dominant performance, crushing Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*) scored brilliant centuries, propelling the Black Caps to a formidable total of 320/5. Glenn Phillips contributed a quick-fire 61 off 39 balls. In response, Pakistan's top order struggled, with Babar Azam's 64 off 90 balls proving too slow. The hosts were bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs, despite late resistance from Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) and Salman Agha (42 off 28). Mitchell Santner and Will O'Rourke claimed three wickets each for New Zealand, securing a convincing victory in the tournament opener.

 

Sources: Times of India, Al Jazeera, Cric-Mate