Centuries by Young, Latham take Kiwis to 320 for 5 against Pak in Champions Trophy opener
Two fine centuries against a pedestrian bowling effort was definitely not the start the hosts Pakistan wanted as New Zealand batters Will Young and Tom Latham made merry at Karachi’s National Stadium in the lung opener of the Champions Trophy on Wednesday.
Young made 107 off 103 balls and Latham an unbeaten 119 off 104 balls to guide the visitors to 320 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs.
The duo raised a 108-run partnership for the fourth wicket at a time when the side was reeling after Pakistan made early inroads. Both Young and wicketkeeper-batter Latham notched up centuries for the Black Caps as the side achieved what looks like a defendable total.
While the Kiwis were 73 for 3 in 16 overs, Young looked at ease as he struck boundaries at regular intervals. His innings ended as Naseem Shah induced a miscued shot and substitute Faheem Ashraf made no mistake. Then Latham joined forces with Glenn Phillips and built a partnership for the fifth wicket. The former New Zealand skipper completed his century off 95 balls, studded with nine fours and two sixes.
Phillips struck some lusty blows on way to 61 off 39, which comprised three boundaries and four sixes, to lead the Kiwis to a respectable total.
Earlier, Abrar Ahmed and Pakistani pacers handed the hosts an early advantage with three breakthroughs in the first 16 overs. With host skipper Mohammad Rizwan electing to field, tweaker Ahmed struck in the eighth over, cleaning up Devon Conway (10) with a peach of a delivery.
In the next over, Naseem got rid of Kane Williamson, who lasted for only two balls before edging one behind. Haris Rauf removed Daryl Mitchell with a clever change in pace as the right-hander hit the ball straight into the hands of the mid-on fielder.
Pakistan had an early scare after Fakhar Zaman went off the field when a fielding attempt in the deep saw him in discomfort. "Fakhar is being assessed for a muscular sprain and an update will be provided in due course," the PCB said in a statement.
The 321-run target is not beyond Pakistan given their recent chase against the Proteas. However, Rizwan and Co will have to hold their nerve and pace the innings accordingly.
