Latham, Young crash Pakistan’s party in Champions Trophy opener

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 60 runs

Tom Latham (118*) and Will Young (107) scored centuries as New Zealand posted 320/5 in 50 overs. Latham's knock was particularly impressive, coming off just 88 balls with 10 fours and three sixes. Young's century was more balanced, with 51 runs scored on the front foot and 56 on the back foot.

The pair put on 118 runs for the fourth wicket, helping New Zealand recover from a shaky start. Daryl Mitchell was the first wicket to fall, dismissed by Haris Rauf for 11. Naseem Shah then took the wickets of Devon Conway (12) and Kane Williamson (1) in quick succession, leaving New Zealand at 73/3 in the 17th over.

Pakistan's bowlers struggled to find their line and length, with only Naseem Shah (2-63) and Haris Rauf (1-45) managing to take wickets. The absence of Fakhar Zaman, who injured himself while fielding, was also felt as Pakistan's fielding was sloppy.

Chasing 321 to win, Pakistan lost both openers within the first 10 overs, with Will O'Rourke taking both wickets. Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69) put up some resistance, but it was too little too late as Pakistan were all out for 260 in 47.2 overs.

Michael Bracewell (2-35) and Mitchell Santner (3-66) were the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, while O'Rourke (3-47) and Santner (3-66) finished with three wickets each.

The win puts New Zealand at the top of Group 2 in the Champions Trophy, while Pakistan are at the bottom.