NZ beat Pakistan by 60-run in Champions Trophy opener

New Zealand started their Champions Trophy campaign with a resounding 60-run victory over defending champions Pakistan in their Group A clash at Karachi National Stadium on Wednesday.

The Black Caps, powered by centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, posted a formidable total of 320-5 before bowling out Pakistan for 260 in 47.2 overs.
After being put into bat, New Zealand overcame a shaky start thanks to Young’s 107 and Latham’s unbeaten 118. Glenn Phillips provided a late surge with a quickfire 61, helping the Kiwis cross the 300-run mark, a target that seemed unlikely early in their innings.

In response, Pakistan struggled to keep up with the required run rate despite half-centuries from Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69). The hosts were eventually bowled out for 260, falling well short of the target. This defeat extends Pakistan’s winless streak against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy to four matches.

The match marked a historic moment as Pakistan hosted an ICC event for the first time in 29 years, having last co-hosted the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. This year’s tournament is being played in a hybrid model, with India’s matches taking place in Dubai due to their refusal to travel to Pakistan.

New Zealand’s comprehensive victory underscores their status as serious contenders for the Champions Trophy title, while Pakistan will need to regroup quickly to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.