Pakistan vs New Zealand: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview

The Match Details

Date: February 19, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM Local Time (Karachi) / 4:30 PM IST / 12:00 Noon GMT
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off with a thrilling encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand. This match sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament, with both teams aiming to make a strong statement early in the competition.

Team Form & Head-to-Head

Pakistan:
Pakistan enters the tournament as defending champions after their triumph in 2017. Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, they have assembled a balanced squad with experienced batsmen and a formidable pace attack. However, recent results against New Zealand are not encouraging for Pakistan, as the Blackcaps dominated them in the trination series earlier this year.

New Zealand:
New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, arrives at the Champions Trophy with momentum from their recent victory over Pakistan and South Africa in the tri-series. The return of seasoned batsman Kane Williamson adds depth to their batting lineup, while they also aim to integrate new talents following the retirement of key bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Key Players to Watch

Pakistan:

• Mohammad Rizwan (Captain): A reliable leader and a capable wicketkeeper-batsman, Rizwan will be crucial in setting up partnerships.
• Fakhar Zaman: With his aggressive batting style, Fakhar is expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s middle order.
• Shaheen Afridi: The fiery paceman will look to unsettle New Zealand’s top-order with his pace and accuracy.

New Zealand:

• Kane Williamson: The experienced batsman will be relied upon to anchor the innings and provide stability.
• Daryl Mitchell: A consistent performer in recent series, Mitchell is a vital cog in New Zealand’s batting lineup.
• Mitchell Santner (Captain): As captain and an all-rounder, Santner will play a pivotal role in guiding his team through crucial moments.

Match Prediction & Probable Outcomes

While Pakistan has the home advantage with familiar conditions and vocal support from their fans, New Zealand’s recent dominance over them gives them an edge. The Blackcaps’ ability to adapt and perform under pressure, coupled with their strong batting lineup, makes them slight favorites in this encounter.

Probable Playing XI:
Pakistan:

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Babar Azam
3. Saud Shakeel
4. Salman Ali Agha
5. Khushdil Shah
6. Faheem Ashraf
7. Tayyab Tahir
8. Shaheen Afridi
9. Naseem Shah
10. Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk)
11. Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand:

1. Devon Conway
2. Will Young
3. Kane Williamson (c)
4. Daryl Mitchell
5. Tom Latham (wk)
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Michael Bracewell
8. Nathan Smith
9. Jacob Duffy
10. Mitchell Santner
11. Will O’Rourke

Conclusion

This match is set to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting styles and strengths. While Pakistan will rely on their home advantage and experienced squad, New Zealand’s recent dominance and momentum could prove decisive. Expect a closely contested game that could go either way.

Who do you think will win? Share your predictions in the comments!