New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in their Champions Trophy match opening thereby marking Pakistan’s first international tournament appearance in thirty years.
Will Young and Tom Latham scored brilliant centuries that led New Zealand to a total of 320-5.
Tom Latham scored an unbeaten 118 runs off 104 balls while opener Young made 107 runs from 113 balls as New Zealand capitalized on Pakistan’s decision to bowl first on a flat National Stadium pitch.
The Air Force made a ceremonial flight over the stadium to launch the eight-nation event while thousands of spectators including President Asif Zardari occupied their seats on a landmark day.
Young and Latham rebuilt the innings from 73-3 through their 118-run fourth wicket partnership to recover from the early dismissals of Devon Conway (10), Kane Williamson (1) and Daryl Mitchell (10).
During his fourth one-day international century Young scored 12 boundaries and a six before getting out to Naseem Shah in the 38th over.
The innings gained momentum from Latham and Glenn Phillips’s aggressive 39-ball 61 while New Zealand scored 113 runs in the final 10 overs and 64 runs in the last five overs.
Latham reached his eighth one-day international century with ten boundaries and three sixes as Phillips powered through four sixes and three boundaries during his strong performance.
Fast bowler Naseem Shah delivered the best bowling figures for Pakistan with 2-63 while his teammates Haris Rauf ended with 2-83 and Shaheen Afridi gave away 68 runs across their 10 wicket-less overs.