Pakistan suffered a disappointing 60-run loss to New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy in Karachi. After being asked to bowl first, Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand’s batsmen, who posted a strong total of 320-5 in their 50 overs.
Despite losing three early wickets, the Black Caps recovered well, thanks to two brilliant centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young. Young, who was playing due to an injury to Rachin Ravindra, set the pace with a solid 107-ball century. He shared a crucial 118-run partnership with Latham for the fourth wicket. Latham, the New Zealand Test captain, followed up with his own century from 95 balls and finished unbeaten on 118 from 104 balls. He also combined with Glenn Phillips, who scored a quick-fire 61 from 39 balls, for another strong partnership of 125 runs.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a slow start, and things worsened when Phillips took a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Muhammad Rizwan, leaving Pakistan at 22-2 after the powerplay. The required run rate soared as Salman Ali Agha tried to inject some urgency into the innings with a quick 42 off 28 balls. However, once Agha was dismissed, the pressure mounted further.
Babar Azam briefly tried to anchor the chase with a 64-run knock, but was dismissed by Mitchell Santner. Khushdil Shah gave Pakistan hope with a counter-attacking 69 off 49 balls. However, once he was out, the game was effectively lost. Pakistan was bowled out for 260 in the 48th over, and New Zealand walked away with a convincing victory in the tournament opener.
