The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is finally here, The opening match of the tournament is set to take place at the iconic National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 2:30 PM IST. Fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting this high-octane clash, which promises to set the tone for the rest of the tournament. The encounter promises to be a high-octane affair, with both teams eager to start their campaigns on a winning note.
PAK vs NZ: A Rivalry to remember
Pakistan and New Zealand have a rich history in One Day Internationals (ODIs), having faced each other in 118 matches. Pakistan holds a slight edge with 61 victories, while New Zealand has won 53 matches. Three games ended without a result, and one match concluded in a tie. This rivalry adds an extra layer of intrigue to the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025.
Both teams recently competed in the ODI Tri-Series 2025, where New Zealand emerged victorious, defeating Pakistan in the final. However, the Champions Trophy presents a fresh opportunity for Pakistan to avenge their loss and start their campaign on a winning note.
Head-to-Head Record of Pak and NZ
Historically, Pakistan holds a dominant record against New Zealand in ODIs. Out of 118 encounters, Pakistan has won 61 matches compared to New Zealand's 53. However, past records often hold little significance in high-stakes tournaments like the Champions Trophy, and both teams will be determined to write a new chapter.
Match Details:
- Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Match 1, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Date: Wednesday, February 19th
- Time: 2:30 PM IST
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
Pitch Report: National Stadium, Karachi
The pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi is traditionally known to favor batters. The surface offers even pace and bounce, allowing batters to play their shots freely. While there may not be much movement for the new ball bowlers, spinners could come into play as the match progresses. Given the chasing team’s success rate at this venue, the captain winning the toss might opt to bowl first, despite the humid conditions.
When and Where to Watch Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025
For fans eager to catch the action live, the match will be live-streamed on the JioHotstar app. Additionally, the game will be telecast live on Star Sports and Sports 18 Network. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you won’t have to miss a single moment of this thrilling encounter.
Playing XIs of Pakistan and New Zealand
Pakistan Playing11
Pakistan (Confirmed Playing 11): 1-Fakhar Zaman, 2-Babar Azam, 3-Saud Shakeel, 4-Mohammad Rizwan, 5-Agha Salman, 6-Tayyab Tahir, 7-Khushdil-Shah, 8-Shaheen Afridi, 9-Haris Rauf, 10-Naseem-Shah, 11-Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand Playing11
New Zealand (Confirmed Playing 11): 1-Devon Conway, 2-Will Young, 3-Kane Williamson, 4-Daryl Mitchell, 5-Tom Latham, 6-Glenn Phillips, 7-Michael Bracewell, 8-Mitchell Santner, 9-Nathan Smith, 10-Matt Henry, 11-William O Rourke
Key Battles to Watch Out For
- Babar Azam vs Kane Williamson: A clash between two of the modern-day greats. Both batters are known for their consistency and ability to anchor the innings.
- Shaheen Afridi vs Devon Conway: Shaheen’s lethal pace and swing against Conway’s elegant stroke play will be a treat for fans.
- Mitchell Santner vs Pakistan’s Middle Order: Santner’s left-arm spin could pose a significant threat to Pakistan’s middle-order batters.
Also Read in Hindi: PAK vs NZ Pitch Report: CT 2025 में नेशनल स्टेडियम, कराची की पिच रिपोर्ट कैसी होगी?
Disclaimer
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