New Zealand made a remarkable start to the 2025 Champions Trophy, with batters Will Young and Tom Latham both scoring centuries in their opening match against hosts Pakistan. Young’s innings of 107 and Latham’s unbeaten 118 contributed to New Zealand’s impressive total of 320 for 5, marking their second-highest score in Champions Trophy history and their highest total against Pakistan in the tournament.
Latham’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he set a record for the highest individual score by any player against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, surpassing Young’s earlier achievement of 107. Before this match, Sanath Jayasuriya held the record for 102* in the 2002 tournament. Additionally, Young and Latham became the first New Zealand players to score centuries on their Champions Trophy debuts, with previous debut efforts falling short, the highest being Stephen Fleming’s 96 against Zimbabwe in 1998.
This match showcased the explosive batting capabilities of New Zealand, especially in the final overs, as they scored 113 runs in the last ten, the second-most in this phase of an innings in Champions Trophy history. Their performance stands as a testament to their batting depth and capability to build momentum in critical moments.
Furthermore, the achievement of both Young and Latham places them among an elite group, as they join the ranks of just eight players who have scored a hundred on their Champions Trophy debut. This event underscores the promising future for New Zealand cricket, particularly as players like Young and Latham continue to emerge as pivotal figures in their lineup.
Kane Williamson, however, faced challenges in this match, getting dismissed for a single digit for the first time in nearly five years—a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport. Despite this, New Zealand’s foundation in Young and Latham’s innings suggests a resilient team capable of bouncing back and building on their successes in the tournament ahead.