Champions Trophy: Hosts Pakistan Face a Massive Target in Opening Match

The ICC Champions Trophy kicked off today, with host nation Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the tournament's opening match at Karachi. Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to field first, but New Zealand's top-order batsmen put up an impressive performance, setting a formidable total.

Will Young scored a remarkable 107 off 113 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six, while Tom Latham remained unbeaten with 118 runs from 104 deliveries, striking 10 fours and 3 sixes. Glenn Phillips provided a late boost with a quickfire 61 off 39 balls, including 3 fours and 4 sixes. As a result, New Zealand posted a strong total of 320/5 in their allotted 50 overs.

Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf took two wickets each, while Abrar Ahmed claimed one.

Chasing a steep target of 321 runs, Pakistan suffered an early blow as opener Saud Shakeel was dismissed for just 6 runs. At the end of 4 overs, Pakistan stood at 8/1, with captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan at the crease, aiming to anchor the chase.