The Champions Trophy is making its grand return after an eight-year hiatus, and so is the return of an ICC tournament to Pakistan. The Men in Green are all set to host the big event, marking their first major cricket event in nearly three decades. This landmark tournament is a significant moment for Pakistan, with matches being held in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. Only India's matches will take place in Dubai.
The tournament, starting on February 19 will feature top eight ODI teams. In the tournament opener, defending champions Pakistan will take on New Zealand on Wednesday.
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025?
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
Match Start Time: 2:30 PM IST?
TV Broadcast: Star Sports and Network 18 channels
Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website?
The BlackCaps were dealt a significant blow as Lockie Ferguson faced a foot injury. He has been replaced by fellow tall fast bowler Kyle Jamieson. This marks the second injury setback for New Zealand, as pacer Ben Sears was ruled out ahead of his maiden ICC event. Jacob Duffy, who was already part of the ODI squad in Pakistan for the tri-series, has stepped in to replace the injured Sears.?
While New Zealand are favourites going into the game after beating Pakistan in the tri-nation final at the same venue recently, the Kiwis, in the head-to-head records, have won less matches than Pakistan.
Matches played total: 118
Pakistan won: 61
New Zealand won: 53
No result: 3
Tied: 1
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.?
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.?
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