Champions Trophy 2025: Tom Latham Smashes Hundred Alongside First Centurion Will Young

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March 15, 2025

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Champions Trophy 2025: Tom Latham Smashes Hundred Alongside First Centurion Will Young

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 roared to life with a run-fest at the National Stadium in Karachi, as New Zealand openers Will Young and middle-order batter Tom Latham both smashed centuries against Pakistan in the opening match. Young’s historic hundred, the first of the tournament, set the stage for a dominant New Zealand batting performance.

Will Young reached his century in just 107 balls, peppering the boundary with 12 fours and one towering six. This special knock marked several milestones for the Kiwi batsman. It was his maiden ODI century, a moment he’ll cherish for a long time. It also marked his 12th century in List A cricket, showcasing his consistent performances in the format.

The significance of Young’s achievement goes beyond personal milestones. He joined an elite club of New Zealand batsmen who have reached three figures in the Champions Trophy. Legends like Chris Cairns, Nathan Astle, and current skipper Kane Williamson are the only other Kiwis to have achieved this feat. Young’s name now sits proudly alongside these cricketing giants.

His final score was 107. Young’s innings came to an end when he tried to attack Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah. He hit the ball towards long-on, where Faheem Ashraf took a good catch. While his dismissal was a disappointment, Young had already done significant damage and laid a solid foundation for his team. His 107 is the second-highest score by a New Zealand batter in the Champions Trophy, a testament to the quality of his innings.

Tom-Latham

While Young’s century grabbed the headlines, Tom Latham played a crucial supporting role, and later, a starring role of his own. Latham came to the crease when New Zealand were in a spot of bother at 73/3 in the 17th over. Pakistan’s bowlers had made early inroads, and New Zealand’s innings was in danger of falling apart.

But Latham, known for his calm and composed demeanor, joined forces with Young. Together, they built a fantastic partnership of 118 runs. They batted steadily, picking gaps, and running hard between the wickets. Their partnership not only repaired the early damage but also put New Zealand in a commanding position.

After Young’s dismissal, Latham took charge of the innings. He continued to bat with great control and started accelerating the scoring. He found another reliable partner in Glenn Phillips, and the two added another 75-plus runs together. Latham’s century was a blend of resilience and class. He played some beautiful shots and kept the scoreboard ticking. He reached his own hundred, much to the delight of the New Zealand dressing room.

The strong performances by Young and Latham put New Zealand in a strong position in their opening match. Their centuries not only entertained the crowd but also gave their team a solid platform to build on. The two batsmen showed great application and skill, and their innings were a treat to watch. They demonstrated the importance of partnerships in cricket, and their contributions will be vital to New Zealand’s chances in the tournament.

The Champions Trophy has started with a bang, and if the opening match is anything to go by, cricket fans are in for a thrilling tournament. With batsmen like Young and Latham in top form, and other teams boasting world-class players, we can expect more exciting cricket in the days to come.