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| Will Young Cricketer Photo ESPN |
Karachi – New Zealand's Will Young has made headlines by scoring the first century of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. In a thrilling match against Pakistan, Young's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he reached his century in 107 deliveries, peppered with 11 fours and 1 six.
The match, held at the National Stadium in Karachi, saw New Zealand's top-order batsman, Will Young, stabilize the innings after the team lost three early wickets. Young's resilience and skill were on full display as he navigated through nervy moments, including a close run-out call when he was on 87 and another tense moment at 99.
Young's century is his fourth in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and it marks his first against Pakistan. His innings was crucial in setting a competitive total for New Zealand, who have been in fine form leading up to the tournament. The Kiwi batter's performance has been lauded by fans and cricket analysts alike, highlighting his importance to the New Zealand squad.
New Zealand's familiarity with the conditions in Karachi, having recently won a tri-nation series against Pakistan and South Africa, played a significant role in their preparation for the Champions Trophy. Despite missing key players like Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears due to injuries, the team has shown remarkable depth and adaptability.
The Champions Trophy opener also marked Pakistan's return to hosting a major International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament after 29 years. The last time Pakistan hosted a major ICC event was the 1996 World Cup, co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka.
Will Young's century has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament. As New Zealand aims to continue their winning streak, Young's performance will undoubtedly be a key factor in their campaign.
For more updates on the Champions Trophy and other cricket news, stay tuned to REPORTLINE.
"Will Young," "2025 Champions Trophy," "New Zealand cricket," "century," and "Pakistan vs New Zealand."
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