In the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. This decision marked the beginning of Pakistan’s quest to secure their first ICC trophy in eight years, while also hosting their first global cricketing event in 29 years. However, the day belonged to New Zealand’s Will Young, who scored a magnificent century, propelling his team to a competitive total after a shaky start.
New Zealand batters wobble early
New Zealand’s innings began on shaky ground, with their top order struggling against Pakistan’s potent bowling attack. Devon Conway was the first to fall, dismissed by Abrar Ahmed for 10 off 17 balls. Kane Williamson followed soon 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 came to an end when he was caught off Haris Rauf‘s bowling. The Kiwis were reeling at 73/3 in 16.2 overs, in desperate need of a partnership to steady the ship.
Will Young’s heroic century of brilliance against Pakistan
Amidst the early collapse, Young stood firm, displaying remarkable resilience and composure. He anchored the innings and formed a crucial partnership with Tom Latham. Young reached his half-century in 56 balls, showcasing a blend of caution and aggression. As he gained confidence, he began to play more freely, dispatching bad balls to the boundary.
Young found an able partner in Latham, who contributed a valuable 53 not out off 62 balls. The pair constructed a formidable partnership, adding 100 runs in 109 balls for the fourth wicket. Latham’s composed innings allowed Young to express himself, and together they resurrected the New Zealand innings.
The right-handed batter reached his century in 107 balls, decorated with 12 fours and 1 six. His innings was a masterclass in pacing, as he accelerated after a cautious start to put Pakistan’s bowlers under pressure. He soon after scoring his classy ton fell to Naseem on 107 runs, guiding New Zealand to a path of competitive total at 191/4 in 37.2 overs.
By the end of the New Zealand’s innings Latham too completed his century, scoring 118 of just 104 deliveries with the help of 10 fours and 3 sixes. Glenn Phillips smashed a quickfire 69, with the Black Caps ending their innings at 320/5 in 50 overs.
Also WATCH: Abrar Ahmed outfoxes Devon Conway with a wrong’un in Champions Trophy 2025
Here’s how fans 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
Excellent ton from Will Young. Brilliant batting .
#willyoung #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/dCj4KRtRjn— Mrvindh (@VinduAravi64844) February 19, 2025
4️⃣th ODI hundred for Will Young 🏏💯#Cricket #PAKvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 #WillYoung pic.twitter.com/1lcieoqCkv
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 19, 2025
ODI Century for NZ against PAK in an ICC game:
2011: Ross Taylor
2023: Rachin Ravindra
2025: Will Young*#ChampionsTrophy2025 #ChampionsLeague #PAKvNZ #DelhiCM pic.twitter.com/HMTIOSCIez— mallickeditz (@mallickvivek30) February 19, 2025
Will Young failed in the tri series but 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 came from Will Young’s bat ❤️
What a brilliant knock he has played New Zealand was in trouble after losing Kane Williamson, Then Will Young scored a fine century
He scored 107 in 113 balls including 12 fours and 1 maximum. 🙌#WillYoung #PAKvNZ #CT2025 pic.twitter.com/ANp6kY4FS1
— Shivam Dubey (@ShivamDubey45) February 19, 2025
Will Young delivers on the big stage and brings up the first century of the #ChampionsTrophy 2025 🫡#PAKvNZ 📝: https://t.co/E5MS83LjB8 pic.twitter.com/uZzNqcaLvt
— ICC (@ICC) February 19, 2025
100 will young🔥 pic.twitter.com/8JdfRNbKAt
— Akansha 18 (@Iamkohlifan2025) February 19, 2025
What a century by Will Young
Vs Pakistan.
He’s playing a superb knock for New Zealand, a great start to the Champions Trophy. 🏆#PAKvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025#ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/6JKIA7IGLu— भारतीय (@Praven152) February 19, 2025
Will Young ..Take a Bow
-Hits outstanding Hundred in First match of Champions Trophy
-Hits 4th ODI Hundred
-Came into XI as Replacement of Rachin Ravindra
-Underrated hero of Newzealand’s Test Victory in India #ChampionsTrophy2025pic.twitter.com/fs3Fhj1HVN— Rohit Baliyan (@rohit_balyan) February 19, 2025
