New Zealand routs Pakistan by 60 runs in Champions Trophy opener

New Zealand started their ICC Champions Trophy campaign with a commanding 60-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the tournament at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

Chasing a target of 321 runs, Pakistan's batting lineup faltered predictably, with the team getting bowled out for 260 runs. Khushdil Shah was the top scorer with 69 runs, while Babar Azam contributed 64 runs. 

Salman Agha added 42, Fakhar Zaman scored 24, and Haris Rauf chipped in with 19 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi added 14, Naseem Shah 13, Saud Shakeel 6, Captain Mohammad Rizwan 3 and Tayyab Tahir scored one run.

New Zealand's Will O'Rourke and captain Mitchell Santner took three wickets each. Matt Henry claimed two wickets, while Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith picked up one wicket each.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand posted a solid total of 320/5 in their 50 overs after being invited to bat first. However, their innings did not begin smoothly, as they lost three wickets for just 73 runs. Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell were dismissed for 10 runs each, while captain Kane Williamson fell for just one run.

New Zealand stabilized their innings with a crucial 118-run partnership between Will Young and Tom Latham. Young played a brilliant knock of 107 runs before getting out.

Following Young's dismissal, Latham and Glenn Phillips added another 125 runs to strengthen New Zealand's total. Phillips was dismissed in the 49.4th over after scoring 61 runs, while Latham remained unbeaten on 118.

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

Pakistan squad

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand squad

Mitchell Santner, featuring Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, and Will O'Rourke.