New Zealand opener Will Young not only became the first centurion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but his innings also made history in a unique way. Young’s 107 off 113 balls against Pakistan in Karachi was the most evenly split ODI hundred by a New Zealand batter since 2007 in terms of strokes played off the front and back foot.
According to statistics, 49.5% of Young’s deliveries were played off the front foot, while 48.6% were played off the back foot, making his knock one of the most balanced centuries by a Kiwi batter in recent history. The closest to this was Ross Taylor’s 110 against England at Southampton in 2015, where 49.2% of his shots were on the front foot and 47.6% on the back foot.
A milestone innings in Champions Trophy history
Young, who replaced Rachin Ravindra in the XI, showcased his adaptability against Pakistan’s bowling attack. His knock included 12 fours and one six, as he reached his fourth ODI century in 107 balls before being dismissed by Naseem Shah for 107. His innings placed him in an elite list of New Zealand centurions in Champions Trophy history, alongside:
- Nathan Astle – 145* vs USA, The Oval, 2004
- Chris Cairns – 102* vs India, Nairobi, 2000 Final
- Kane Williamson – 100 vs Australia, Edgbaston, 2017
- Will Young – 100* vs Pakistan, Karachi, 2025
Young’s century helped New Zealand set a solid foundation in their Champions Trophy opener before his dismissal in the 37th over, caught by Faheem Ashraf off Naseem Shah’s bowling.
While New Zealand’s batting lineup continued to build momentum, Young’s innings stood out not just for its significance in the match, but also for its rare statistical distinction, underlining his technical adaptability and well-rounded approach at the crease.