PAK vs NZ, Champions Trophy 2025: Can Pakistan dominate New Zealand in tournament opener? Head-to-head and all to know
The Champions Trophy 2025 will mark a significant moment for Pakistan, as it will be the first time in nearly three decades an ICC tournament is held in the country. The games will be played in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, while India's matches will take place in Dubai.
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 captains. The challenge. The pursuit for glory!
¡ª ICC (@ICC) February 18, 2025
It¡¯s All on the Line at #ChampionsTrophy 2025 ? pic.twitter.com/NreHUPrcyL
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.
Pakistan vs New Zealand ¨C Match details
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
Injury concerns
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 He has been replaced by fellow tall fast bowler Kyle Jamieson.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.
The Black Caps have their eyes set on #ChampionsTrophy glory ?
¡ª ICC (@ICC) February 17, 2025
1. Mitchell Santner
2. Devon Conway
3. Kane Williamson
4. Lockie Ferguson pic.twitter.com/EVmflraQpW
Head-to-head
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. Home soil. One mission ¨C #ChampionsTrophy glory ?
¡ª ICC (@ICC) February 17, 2025
In frame:
Mohammad Rizwan
Babar Azam
Naseem Shah
Shaheen Afridi pic.twitter.com/vqCyNrSrmG
PAK vs NZ: Squads
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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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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