In a thrilling Champions Trophy opener today, New Zealand handed Pakistan a resounding defeat by 60 runs. Batting first after Pakistan won the toss, New Zealand posted a challenging total of 320/5 in their 50 overs, powered by brilliant centuries from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118 not out). Glenn Phillips also contributed with a blistering 61 off 39 balls to further boost the total.
In reply, Pakistan could only manage 260 all out in 47.2 overs. Key contributions came from Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69), with Salman Agha providing some resistance with a quick-fire 42 off 28 balls. However, it wasn’t enough as the New Zealand bowlers restricted Pakistan’s chase.
Will O’Rourke was the standout bowler for New Zealand, picking up 3/47 and playing a crucial role in dismantling Pakistan’s batting order.
Brief Scores:
- New Zealand: 320/5 in 50 overs (Will Young 107, Tom Latham 118*, Glenn Phillips 61; Naseem Shah 2/63)
- Pakistan: 260 all out in 47.2 overs (Babar Azam 64, Khushdil Shah 69, Will O’Rourke 3/47)