Latham and Young carry NZ’s victory against Pakistan at the opening Champions Trophy match

February 18, Karachi: New Zealand spoiled Pakistan’s long-awaited return to global tournament action, handing the co-hosts a 60-run defeat in the opening match of the Champions Trophy. This crucial loss on home soil puts Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals in jeopardy, particularly in such a short tournament where each team only plays three group-stage games.

New Zealand’s victory was built on the back of stellar centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, who both scored outstanding hundreds to lay a solid foundation for their team. However, the result also included a bit of fortune, particularly when Pakistan’s opener, Fakhar Zaman, suffered an injury just two balls into the match while chasing a cover drive from Young. Fakhar was forced off the field for a significant portion of New Zealand’s first innings. When he finally returned, he was not able to open the batting, as Pakistan was already struggling at 22 for 2 in the 10th over. Fakhar’s discomfort hampered his ability to run between the wickets, and New Zealand’s spinners, especially Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips, kept him under pressure. Fakhar’s tortured innings came to an end when Bracewell bowled him out for 24 off 41 balls with a delivery that didn’t turn.

Fakhar’s dismissal was just one of many frustrations for the Pakistan batting lineup. Much like Fakhar, the majority of Pakistan’s top order failed to gain any real momentum. Babar Azam, usually a steady presence, took 81 balls to reach fifty, leaving Pakistan struggling to keep up with the required run rate. Despite New Zealand being depleted by injuries to key pacers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears, their spinners seized the opportunity on a pitch offering variable bounce and turn. New Zealand’s spin attack was so effective that they didn’t require their third seamer, Nathan Smith, until the 31st over. By then, Pakistan’s required run rate had already risen to nearly ten per over.

The absence of Rachin Ravindra for New Zealand, due to injury, meant that Will Young was given an opportunity, and he took full advantage of it. After New Zealand found themselves in a tricky position at 40 for 2 in the ninth over, and then 73 for 3 in the 17th, Young and Latham combined forces to steady the ship. Young, who has often found himself on the fringes of the international side, made the most of his chance, crafting an elegant 107 off 107 balls, his first-ever international century away from home. With New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson absent due to injury, Young had been thrust into a more prominent role, and he justified his selection once again with a fine knock that helped take his team to 320 for 5.

Young’s century came after he had absorbed difficult spells from Pakistan’s bowlers, including Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah, but his patience paid off. He brought up his third fifty-plus score in nine innings in Pakistan, eventually making it to three figures by the 35th over, with Ravindra offering hearty applause from the dressing room.

Latham, who had been struggling in recent times with a series of ducks in the tri-series final, also delivered when his team needed him most. Latham played an assured knock, remaining unbeaten on 118 off 104 balls. His knock marked a remarkable turnaround after his recent poor form, including a run of three consecutive ducks in the tri-series. Latham’s century came off just 95 balls, showcasing his full range of shots, particularly his sweeps, which troubled Pakistan’s spinners. His 118-run effort was a display of dominance, with 52 of his runs coming square or behind square on the leg side.

Latham’s impressive knock was complemented by a rapid-fire 61 from Glenn Phillips, who partnered with him for a destructive 125-run stand for the fifth wicket. Phillips, initially struggling at 10 off 18 balls, exploded into action, reaching his fifty off just 16 balls. He struck back-to-back sixes off Shaheen Afridi, and although he was dismissed for 61 in the 48th over, Phillips’ blistering knock provided the perfect finish to New Zealand’s innings, which saw them plunder 113 runs off the final 10 overs.

Pakistan’s chase was always going to be tough, given the early setbacks. New Zealand’s bowlers, including O’Rourke and Santner, ensured the required run rate stayed out of reach. O’Rourke dismissed Saud Shakeel for just 6 early on, while Matt Henry, who had missed the tri-series final due to injury, was tight in his first powerplay spell. Pakistan’s total of 22 for 2 in the first ten overs was their third-lowest score in Champions Trophy history.

Despite some late resistance from Khushdil Shah, who struck a rapid 69 off 49 balls, Pakistan was ultimately unable to recover. Shah’s efforts came too late, and New Zealand’s spinners, particularly Santner who finished with 3 wickets, played crucial roles in keeping Pakistan in check. Pakistan was bowled out for 260 in the 48th over, handing New Zealand a well-deserved 60-run victory.

This victory marked a third consecutive win for New Zealand over Pakistan in recent times, further solidifying their status as strong title contenders in the Champions Trophy. For New Zealand, this performance was not only a statement of intent but also showcased their depth and ability to adapt, even in the absence of key players. With the likes of Young, Latham, and Phillips in form, New Zealand looks well poised to make a deep run in the tournament. Meanwhile, Pakistan will need to regroup quickly to stay alive in the competition, as they face a must-win situation in their upcoming group-stage matches.

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