New Zealand Lauded by Cricket Community After 60-Run Victory Over Pakistan in Champions Trophy

New Zealand made a powerful statement in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener, outclassing Pakistan by 60 runs at the National Stadium in Karachi. Centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham powered the Kiwis to a formidable 320/5, before their disciplined bowling attack dismantled Pakistan’s chase, bundling them out for 260 in 47.2 overs.

The defeat continued Pakistan’s struggles against New Zealand, marking their fourth consecutive loss to the Black Caps. Despite half-centuries from Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah, Pakistan never seemed in control of the chase, faltering against a well-rounded New Zealand attack.

New Zealand’s Strong Start Despite Early Wickets

Pakistan, after winning the toss, chose to field first to take advantage of the early movement under Karachi’s evening lights. Their pacers made immediate inroads, with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf swiftly removing key New Zealand batters. Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1), and Daryl Mitchell (10) fell cheaply, reducing New Zealand to 73/3 in the 17th over.

The Pakistani bowlers were on top, swinging the ball effectively and causing significant problems for the Kiwi top order. Their precise and disciplined bowling performance kept the New Zealand batsmen under constant pressure.

Will Young and Tom Latham’s Game-Changing Partnership

Just when New Zealand seemed in trouble, Will Young and Tom Latham turned the game around with a composed 118-run partnership. Young, stepping in for the injured Rachin Ravindra, played a composed knock of 107 off 113 balls, smashing 12 boundaries. Latham led from the front with an unbeaten 118 off 104 balls, accelerating in the latter half. Their partnership stabilized the innings and laid the foundation for a big total.

After Young’s dismissal, Glenn Phillips provided the final push. He blazed away to 61 off just 39 balls, hammering four sixes and three fours. The final 10 overs yielded 75 runs, lifting New Zealand to 320/5. Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly at the death, struggled to contain the onslaught.

Pakistan’s Shaky Start in the Chase

Pakistan’s chase never took off as planned. Fakhar Zaman’s injury forced a reshuffle, with Babar Azam opening alongside Saud Shakeel. Shakeel (6) and Mohammad Rizwan (3) fell early, leaving Pakistan at 56/3. Babar played a cautious innings, reaching his fifty off 81 balls but failing to accelerate.

Khushdil Shah was the only Pakistani batter in command, smashing 69 off 49 balls with 10 fours and a six. Despite his efforts, wickets tumbled around him, leaving Pakistan with no real hope.

New Zealand’s Bowlers Seal the Deal

New Zealand’s bowling attack executed their plans to perfection, with Will O’Rourke (3/47) making crucial breakthroughs, Mitchell Santner (3/66) providing middle-over control, and Matt Henry (2/25) cleaning up the tail to ensure a comfortable win.

This loss puts Pakistan in a difficult position in Group A, with tougher challenges ahead. Their struggles in run chases and inconsistent bowling remain areas of concern. New Zealand, on the other hand, will take confidence from this clinical performance and look to maintain their momentum in the tournament.

Cricket community celebrated New Zealand’s clinical victory

Babar’s journey to 50 coupled with Salman Ali Agha’s batting has to be the best depiction of “ The Tortoise and Rabbit story” . #ChampionsTrophy

The 50 I hope will come soon enough🤞

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 19, 2025

You gotta admire New Zealand in the way they play their cricket. Solid win against Pakistan.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 19, 2025

You can say that batting was, maybe, tougher batting second, that it turned more….whatever. But I would imagine some very stern questions will be asked of the Pakistan top three.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 19, 2025

Clinical win from NZ! Important tons from Young and Latham but Phillips was the difference between 280 and 320. I think pressure got to Pak, they played too many dot balls and also Fakhar could have been used in powerplay considering his injury concerns. #PAKvNZ #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/Zsbn36IB3P

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 19, 2025

Babar still plays ODI cricket from 1980s. Just two boundaries against part-time spinners, milking runs in middle overs. This doesn’t work in modern cricket. #PakvsNz

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 19, 2025

Game. Set. Match. New Zealand. 🫡

Always the team to beat in ICC events. To be honest, they have the team to play the finals this #ChampionsTrophy too.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 19, 2025

Birth of the 2025 champions Trophy and what better way to start with a Young player getting 100#ChampionsTrophy2025 #WillYoung pic.twitter.com/2Ttyrxa9ec

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) February 19, 2025

Form is temporary, class is permanent. 👏👏👏
For @BLACKCAPS to progress in this tournament @Tomlatham2 was always going to be a key in the middle order. Superb 💯
.#ChampionsTrophy2025 #PAKvNZ #tomlatham

— Mike Hesson (@CoachHesson) February 19, 2025

Babar Azam this is pure nonsense. 47 dot balls in the power play. Strike rate of 70.

What was he trying to do? What was the thought process? Clearly I did not understand. Need someone to explain.

Isn’t he accountable to fans? @RevSportzGlobal

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) February 19, 2025