New Zealand’s Will Young etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player to score a century in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Facing Pakistan in the tournament opener in Karachi, Young demonstrated resilience as he reached the milestone in 107 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and a six.
His innings, however, was not without its challenges. A moment of concern arose when he was on 87, as a potential run-out scare was reviewed but ultimately ruled in his favor.
Later, on 99, he found himself out of the crease at the non-striker’s end, but a missed throw spared him from dismissal. Young’s innings provided much-needed stability for the Black Caps, particularly after the team lost three early wickets, including those of key players Devon Conway and Kane Williamson within five deliveries. His selection in the playing XI came as a result of Rachin Ravindra’s unavailability due to injury.
It will come. You forget he's still young and improving.
— DTripzS (@Dtripzs) February 19, 2025
🔥 Will Young announces himself on the big stage with a stunning century on his #ChampionsTrophy debut! 💯 Taking on the defending champions, he delivers a masterclass under pressure! 👏🏏
— Ganesh 🇮🇳 (@GaneshVerse) February 19, 2025
#CricketFever #PAKvNZpic.twitter.com/xXjEjmfgLY
Will Young is really cool
— A L C H E 💫 (@index_msu) February 19, 2025
Absolutely, what an incredible innings from Will Young! His performance is definitely setting the tone for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.
— IPO LENS 🇮🇳 𝕏 (@Ipo_lens) February 19, 2025
Well played Will young
— Ganpat Teli (@gateposts_) February 19, 2025
Pakistan Hosts ICC Event After 29 Years
Pakistan marked a historic moment as it hosted a major International Cricket Council (ICC) event for the first time in nearly three decades. The 2025 Champions Trophy began with Pakistan winning the toss and opting to field. The last major ICC event held in Pakistan was the 1996 Cricket World Cup, which it co-hosted alongside India and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan, the reigning Champions Trophy titleholder from 2017, entered the tournament with confidence. Meanwhile, New Zealand arrived in strong form, having recently won a tri-nation series against Pakistan and South Africa at the newly renovated Karachi stadium. Despite missing key pacers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears due to injuries, the Kiwis appeared well-prepared, with their batting lineup performing consistently and their spin attack, led by Mitchell Santner, proving effective in the middle overs.
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