In a gripping encounter that set the tone for the Champions Trophy, New Zealand triumphed over Pakistan by 60 runs in Karachi, on a day that had been long awaited by the co-hosts. Marking nearly three decades since a global tournament was held in Pakistan, the opening match was overshadowed by New Zealand's dominance, raising concerns about Pakistan's prospects in this short and intense competition, where each team plays only three group-stage matches.
New Zealand's batting lineup showcased remarkable skill, with Will Young and Tom Latham spearheading the assault. Both players achieved outstanding centuries, marking pivotal contributions to their team's impressive total of 320 runs for the loss of five wickets. The victory was a result of strategic planning and timely fortunes, as well as the unfortunate injury suffered by Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman during the first ball of the match. While chasing a cover drive from Young, he strained himself, severely hampering Pakistan's batting strength at the outset of the innings.
This injury left Fakhar unable to take his position at the top of the order, and by the time he arrived at the crease as the number four batsman, Pakistan was reeling at 22 for 2. His discomfort became evident as he struggled to run, a problematic situation exacerbated by New Zealand's off-spinners Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips, who wisely bowled outside his reach. Eventually, Fakhar was dismissed for 24 runs off 41 balls when he became a victim of Bracewell's non-turner.
In contrast to Fakhar's struggles, the rest of Pakistan's batting lineup also faltered despite the initial promise shown by captain Babar Azam, who took 81 balls to reach his half-century. While New Zealand's bowling unit faced injuries to Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears, their spinners excelled on a pitch that provided assistance in the form of turn and variable bounce. The ability of New Zealand's spinners was so formidable that Nathan Smith, their third seamer, was not needed until the 31st over. At that point, Pakistan's required run rate had ballooned to nearly ten runs per over.
Despite the absence of all-rounder Rachin Ravindra due to injury, Young and Latham steadied the innings after a shaky start. Earlier in the match, New Zealand found themselves in trouble at 40 for 2 and later at 73 for 3. Young and Latham formed a critical partnership that not only recovered the early wickets but also propelled New Zealand's score to a commendable total. Young utilized this opportunity well, as he has often found himself on the fringes of the team selections.
Before converting his outstanding performance into an international hundred while playing away from home, Young had to overcome challenges, just as when Devon Conway was dismissed for ten runs by a carrom ball from Abrar Ahmed. Young’s knock demonstrated his ability to rein adapt under pressure. With the support of his partner, he navigated tricky spells from Abrar and Naseem Shah, eventually reaching his century in 107 balls during the 35th over—a significant milestone celebrated enthusiastically by Ravindra from the dressing room.
Latham's performance was equally impressive. With a flourish, he reached his hundred in 95 balls and remained unbeaten with a tally of 118 runs off 104 balls. This remarkable comeback followed a series of dismissals that had plagued him in previous matches. In particular, he took advantage of the Pakistani spinners, hitting a variety of shots, including reverse sweeps, gleefully accumulating runs, especially square or behind the leg side.
Following Young's dismissal for 107, Latham continued to build momentum with Glenn Phillips, forming a resilient partnership that yielded 125 runs for the fifth wicket from just 74 balls. Phillips was particularly explosive, transitioning from a slow start to a half-century in a mere 16 balls, thereby exerting additional pressure on the Pakistani bowlers. Notably, Phillips hit consecutive sixes off Shaheen Afridi before falling for 61 runs.
On the field, Phillips also showcased extraordinary fielding capabilities, completing a spectacular catch to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan. This pivotal moment underscored New Zealand's comprehensive dominance throughout the match. Will O'Rourke played a crucial role, dismissing Saud Shakeel early in the innings, and with Matt Henry restricting runs in the initial powerplay, Pakistan managed only 22 runs while losing two wickets in the first ten overs. This marked Pakistan's lowest score in the first ten overs since March 2019.
Though Khushdil Shah provided late resistance with a score of 69 runs off 49 balls, Pakistan ultimately succumbed to New Zealand’s bowling attack, getting bowled out for 260 runs. In his debut as captain at a global event, Santner made significant contributions with three wickets, demonstrating strategic acumen despite facing challenges toward the end.
As New Zealand secured a comprehensive victory, they further affirmed their status as formidable title contenders. Their performance against Pakistan provides a compelling narrative as the tournament continues, with the latter's path to the semi-finals now in a questionable state following this setback. The results display not only the potency of New Zealand's squad but also highlight the vital need for resilience from Pakistan as they strive to regain form in subsequent matches.