New Zealand sent a strong message to their Champions Trophy rivals, securing a commanding 60-run win over defending champions Pakistan in their Group A clash at the National Stadium on Wednesday.
Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118)* were the stars of the show, rescuing the Kiwis from a shaky start and guiding them to a formidable 320-5 after being put in to bat.
Pakistan’s chase never really took off as they were bundled out for 260 in 47.2 overs, despite Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69) scoring half-centuries. The hosts struggled to gain momentum and fell well short of the target.
Winning the toss, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan opted to bowl first in what is Pakistan’s first ICC event on home soil since the 1996 World Cup. The hosts initially kept things tight, conceding just 39 runs in the first seven overs. Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah capitalized on the pressure, dismissing Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell in quick succession, leaving New Zealand in trouble.
However, Young and Latham stitched together a crucial century partnership, steering the innings back on track. Young’s knock featured 12 fours and a six, bringing up his century with a single off Abrar before he eventually fell to Naseem.
The late fireworks came courtesy of Glenn Phillips, who blazed a 39-ball 61, smashing four sixes in an explosive cameo. Latham, who remained unbeaten on 118, anchored a second century stand with Phillips, ensuring New Zealand plundered 113 runs in the final 10 overs to post a daunting total.
Pakistan’s innings suffered an early setback even before they picked up the bat. Fakhar Zaman injured himself while fielding, and since he had spent time off the field, he was not allowed to open the innings. His absence disrupted Pakistan’s batting order, forcing Saud Shakeel to partner Babar Azam, but the move backfired as Shakeel fell cheaply to Will O’Rourke (3-47).
The situation worsened when Glenn Phillips took a brilliant catch at backward point, sending Rizwan back for just three. Fakhar, batting at number four, made 24 before Michael Bracewell rattled his stumps, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble.
With the team reeling at 83-3 at the halfway mark, Babar Azam and Agha Salman (42) tried to revive the innings. Babar even smashed Mitchell Santner for a six, but Santner had the last laugh, dismissing the Pakistan skipper in the 34th over, after which disappointed fans started leaving the stadium.
Khushdil Shah fought back valiantly, hitting 10 fours and a six in a 49-ball counterattack, but it was too little, too late. Santner (3-66) and O’Rourke ensured Pakistan had no way back, sealing a comfortable victory for New Zealand.
With this loss, Pakistan now faces a must-win match against arch-rivals India in Dubai on February 23. A second consecutive defeat could jeopardize their chances of qualifying for the semifinals, making the upcoming game a high-stakes battle. With pressure mounting, Pakistan will need a much-improved performance to stay alive in the Champions Trophy 2025.
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