New Zealand started out their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, defeating Pakistan by 60 runs on Wednesday. Not only did the result increase New Zealand’s superiority over Pakistan in terms of ICC Champions Trophy competition, with a head-to-head standing of 4-0, it also left the host facing an uphill battle in a tough Group A, where only two teams will make it to the semifinals.
Despite their success, Shikhar Dhawan is not ready to consider New Zealand as the favorites to win the Champions Trophy.
In a video posted on Instagram, when Ross Taylor asked Dhawan whether he thought New Zealand could win the Champions Trophy, he burst into laughter.
Will Young played an innings of 107 and Tom Latham an unbeaten 118 as New Zealand came through a shaky start to post 320 for the loss of 5 wickets after being invited to bat.
Glenn Phillips added a quick-fire 61 in New Zealand’s fight to conquer the 300-mark, a feat that had seemed distant after their shaky beginning.
Pakistan were all out for 260 in 47.2 overs, with Babar Azam (64) and Khushdil Shah (69) both providing half-centuries; but the hosts never looked to be in serious competition.
