Young & Latham’s centuries power New Zealand to 321 against Pakistan

KATHMANDU: New Zealand has set a formidable target of 321 runs for hosts Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Batting first after losing the toss at Karachi’s National Cricket Stadium, New Zealand posted a strong total of 320/5 in their allotted 50 overs.

The charge was led by opener Will Young and captain Tom Latham, both scoring centuries.

Latham remained unbeaten on 118 runs off 104 balls, smashing 10 fours and three sixes. He reached his eighth ODI century in 95 balls.

Young, on the other hand, scored 107 runs off 113 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six, completing his fourth ODI ton in 107 deliveries.

A crucial 125-run partnership between Latham and Glenn Phillips for the fifth wicket further bolstered New Zealand’s innings.

Phillips played an explosive knock of 61 runs off 39 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes.

Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell chipped in with 10 runs each, while Kane Williamson fell cheaply for just one run.

For Pakistan, Naseem Shah took two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf claimed one each.

Ahead of the Champions Trophy, New Zealand had dominated Pakistan in a tri-series, remaining unbeaten under the leadership of Mitchell Santner.

They defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the group stage and by 78 runs in the final. Historically, New Zealand has held the upper hand in the Champions Trophy, having defeated Pakistan in all three previous encounters (2000, 2006, and 2009).

Since 2023, the two teams have faced off in 11 ODIs, with Pakistan winning six and New Zealand five. However, the Kiwis have won three of their last four meetings.

Meanwhile, India has decided not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, and all their matches will be played in the UAE.

The top eight teams from the 2023 ODI World Cup are participating in the tournament, divided into two groups.

Group A consists of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B features Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals, with the final set to be played on March 9.