New Zealand opener Will Young and middle order batter Tom Latham struck centuries on the opening day of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Young (107 off 113 balls) began his CT campaign with a well-paced century, while Latham (118 off 104 balls) upped the ante at the back end of the innings to register his ton, in the opening Group A match against Pakistan at National Stadium, Karachi, on Wednesday.
Young was stuck on 99 for 2 overs and was nearly run-out before he got to the landmark in the 35th over.
Young blocked the first ball of the Abrar Ahmed over for a dot before sweeping the ball to square leg to bring up his century.
His measured 4th ODI ton came off 107 balls and was inclusive of 12 fours and 1 six.
It was first against Pakistan and first century away from home.
Young was drafted into the Playing XI as replacement for Rachin Ravindra and took the opportunity with both hands.
Young became the fourth New Zealander to score a century in the tournament after Nathan Astle (145), Chris Cairns (102) and Kane Williamson (100) etched their names in CT history.
Young was finally dismissed for 107 two overs later, when he went for the pull but hit it straight to the fielder in the deep.
Young was soon joined by Latham in that list of legends.
Latham completed his half ton in the 36th over before switching gears in the last 10 overs of the Kiwis innings.
With the quick paced Glenn Phillpps at the other end, Latham ran hard between wickets and hammered Naseem Shah for a six.
He then smashed Abrar Ahmed for a maximum and then back-to-back fours.
Naseem again was taken for a four in the 46th over as Latham zoomed into the 90s.
An over later he hit Shaheen Afridi for a first-ball boundary before taking a single to long on to bring up his century off just 95 balls.
He uppped the ante with Phillips, as the duo showed Pakistan pacers no mercy. 113 runs were scored off the last 10 overs as Latham remained unbeaten on 118 (104 balls).