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The defending champions and the hosts Pakistan didn’t get a great start to their campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In the opening match of the tournament, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs at National Bank Stadium in Karachi getting a strong start to their campaign. For New Zealand, Will Young and Tom Latham shone with centuries as the Black Caps posted 320/5 in their 50 overs. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 260 runs in 47.2 overs
Coming to bat first after losing the toss, New Zealand were looking in a tough position as they were reduced to 73/3 after 16.2 overs. After that, Will Young and Tom Latham took charge of the innings as the duo put up a partnership of 118 runs for the fourth wicket. Young was the first batter to get to his hundred as he got out after scoring 107(113) runs hitting 12 fours and a six, white Tom Latham remained unbeaten on 118*(104) runs with 10 fours and three sixes. For Pakistan, Nassem Shah and Haris Rauf scalped two wickets while Abrar Ahmed put one in his bag.
Khushdil Shah’s efforts goes vain as Pakistan fail to chase 321 runs vs New Zealand
Chasing the winning target, Pakistan had a poor start as the hosts lost three wickets for 69 runs after 10 overs. After that, Babar Azam (64 off 90) and Salman Ali Agha (42 off 28) added 58 runs for the fourth wicket. After the partnership was broken,, Khushdil Shah took charge with the tailenders but failed to take Pakistan down the winning track.
Khushdil Shah got out after scoring 69(49) runs hitting 10 fours and a six. In the end, hosts were bowled out for 260 runs with 2.4 overs remaining. For New Zealand, skipper Mitchell Santner and Will O'Rourke took three wickets each. Apart from that, Matt Henry scalped two while Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith scalped wicket each.
