Within the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan gained the toss and elected to subject in opposition to New Zealand on the Nationwide Stadium in Karachi. This resolution marked the start of Pakistan’s quest to safe their first ICC trophy in eight years, whereas additionally internet hosting their first international cricketing occasion in 29 years. Nevertheless, the day belonged to New Zealand’s Will Younger, who scored an impressive century, propelling his group to a aggressive whole after a shaky begin.
New Zealand batters wobble early
New Zealand’s innings started on shaky floor, with their prime order struggling in opposition to Pakistan’s potent bowling assault. Devon Conway was the primary to fall, dismissed by Abrar Ahmed for 10 off 17 balls. Kane Williamson adopted quickly after, falling prey to Naseem Shah for a mere 1 run off 2 balls. Daryl Mitchell‘s cautious innings of 10 runs off 24 balls got here to an finish when he was caught off Haris Rauf‘s bowling. The Kiwis have been reeling at 73/3 in 16.2 overs, in determined want of a partnership to regular the ship.
Will Younger’s heroic century of brilliance in opposition to Pakistan
Amidst the early collapse, Younger stood agency, displaying exceptional resilience and composure. He anchored the innings and fashioned an important partnership with Tom Latham. Younger reached his half-century in 56 balls, showcasing a mix of warning and aggression. As he gained confidence, he started to play extra freely, dispatching unhealthy balls to the boundary.
Younger discovered an ready associate in Latham, who contributed a beneficial 53 not out off 62 balls. The pair constructed a formidable partnership, including 100 runs in 109 balls for the fourth wicket. Latham’s composed innings allowed Younger to specific himself, and collectively they resurrected the New Zealand innings.
The best-handed batter reached his century in 107 balls, embellished with 12 fours and 1 six. His innings was a masterclass in pacing, as he accelerated after a cautious begin to put Pakistan’s bowlers underneath stress. He quickly after scoring his stylish ton fell to Naseem on 107 runs, guiding New Zealand to a path of aggressive whole at 191/4 in 37.2 overs.
By the tip of the New Zealand’s innings Latham too accomplished his century, scoring 118 of simply 104 deliveries with the assistance of 10 fours and three sixes. Glenn Phillips smashed a quickfire 69, with the Black Caps ending their innings at 320/5 in 50 overs.
Additionally WATCH: Abrar Ahmed outfoxes Devon Conway with a mistaken’un in Champions Trophy 2025
Right here’s how followers reacted:
pic.twitter.com/nL8fxFdIQ4
🚨 WILL YOUNG – FIRST BATTER TO SCORE A CENTURY IN 2025 CHAMPIONS TROPHY.— Nick. (@CricWithNick) February 19, 2025
🚨 WILL YOUNG BECOMES FIRST BATTER TO SCORE A CENTURY IN 2025 CHAMPIONS TROPHY! 🚨#ChampionsTrophy2025 #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/1lXFFExoU3
— Tanveer (@tanveermamdani) February 19, 2025
Wonderful ton from Will Younger. Good batting .
#willyoung #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/dCj4KRtRjn— Mrvindh (@VinduAravi64844) February 19, 2025
4️⃣th ODI hundred for Will Younger 🏏💯#Cricket #PAKvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 #WillYoung pic.twitter.com/1lcieoqCkv
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 19, 2025
ODI Century for NZ in opposition to PAK in an ICC sport:
2011: Ross Taylor
2023: Rachin Ravindra
2025: Will Younger*#ChampionsTrophy2025 #ChampionsLeague #PAKvNZ #DelhiCM pic.twitter.com/HMTIOSCIez— mallickeditz (@mallickvivek30) February 19, 2025
Will Younger failed within the tri sequence however now scored 1st hundred in CT 2025 🔥
What a comeback by him 👏🏾#ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/EZazh4bLtP
— Misran Ahmad 🏏Shahzadain 🇵🇰 (@MisranAhmad19) February 19, 2025
First Century of CT 2025 got here from Will Younger’s bat ❤️
What a superb knock he has performed New Zealand was in hassle after dropping Kane Williamson, Then Will Younger scored a positive century
He scored 107 in 113 balls together with 12 fours and 1 most. 🙌#WillYoung #PAKvNZ #CT2025 pic.twitter.com/ANp6kY4FS1
— Shivam Dubey (@ShivamDubey45) February 19, 2025
Will Younger delivers on the large stage and brings up the primary century of the #ChampionsTrophy 2025 🫡#PAKvNZ 📝: https://t.co/E5MS83LjB8 pic.twitter.com/uZzNqcaLvt
— ICC (@ICC) February 19, 2025
100 will younger🔥 pic.twitter.com/8JdfRNbKAt
— Akansha 18 (@Iamkohlifan2025) February 19, 2025
What a century by Will Younger
Vs Pakistan.
He is taking part in an excellent knock for New Zealand, a fantastic begin to the Champions Trophy. 🏆#PAKvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025#ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/6JKIA7IGLu— भारतीय (@Praven152) February 19, 2025
Will Younger ..Take a Bow
-Hits excellent Hundred in First match of Champions Trophy
-Hits 4th ODI Hundred
-Got here into XI as Substitute of Rachin Ravindra
-Underrated hero of Newzealand’s Check Victory in India #ChampionsTrophy2025pic.twitter.com/fs3Fhj1HVN— Rohit Baliyan (@rohit_balyan) February 19, 2025
