Dew was a major talking point at the start of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, influencing both Mohammad Rizwan and Mitchell Santner’s decision to chase. However, it was New Zealand who had to set a target, and Tom Latham and Will Young rose to the occasion with brilliant centuries that laid the foundation for a formidable 320/5. Their composed yet attacking knocks were complemented by Glenn Phillips’ explosive finish, which put Pakistan’s death bowling to the test.
Early Drama in Karachi
The refurbished National Stadium in Karachi witnessed a historic moment as a major ICC tournament returned to Pakistan after 29 years. Despite only half the stadium being filled, anticipation was high. However, there was early concern for the hosts as Fakhar Zaman suffered an apparent knee injury just two balls into the tournament while fielding. Fortunately, he returned to the field midway through the innings, offering Pakistan a much-needed boost.
New Zealand’s Steady Start
Pakistan’s pacers struggled to extract any movement from the pitch, allowing Young to capitalize early with crisp flicks to the boundary. The first five overs yielded 30 runs, prompting Pakistan to introduce leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed in the sixth over. The move paid off instantly, as Devon Conway misjudged a slider and was bowled. Pakistan built on this momentum when Naseem Shah induced an edge from Kane Williamson in the following over.
Even as Young continued to find the gaps, Daryl Mitchell found the pitch tricky to negotiate. His struggles ended when Haris Rauf, returning from injury, hurried him into a mistimed pull shot, leaving New Zealand at 73/3 in the 17th over. Young, who had contributed 49 of those runs, took charge and guided Latham in constructing a vital partnership.
Latham and Young Build a Solid Platform
The duo put together an outstanding 118-run stand without resorting to reckless aggression. The boundaries flowed consistently as New Zealand reached 148/3 at the 30-over mark. The only real scare came when Rauf bowled a fiery spell of short-pitched deliveries at Latham, forcing a review for a caught-behind appeal, a dropped catch when Latham was on 41, and an awkward fend that narrowly avoided the bowler.
In the very next over, Young reached his century, becoming the fourth New Zealand batter to score a Champions Trophy hundred. His superb 107, laced with 12 fours and a six, came to an end when he mistimed a pull shot off Naseem Shah. However, his efforts had set the perfect stage for a final assault.
Phillips’ Late Blitz Pushes New Zealand Past 300
With Latham shifting gears, New Zealand accelerated rapidly. The skipper reached his half-century in 61 balls but needed just 31 more to complete his eighth ODI century. Meanwhile, Phillips took on Pakistan’s death bowlers, launching an aggressive assault on Shaheen Afridi and Rauf. His blistering 61 off 39 balls ensured New Zealand crossed the 300-run mark, setting Pakistan a daunting chase.
With a strong total on the board, the Black Caps ensured they had a dew-proof cushion as they prepared to defend their total in the tournament opener.
