PAK vs NZ: Pakistan and New Zealand will meet for the 1st Match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on 19th February. The match will kickoff from 1:00 PM Local Time and 2:30 PM IST. The fans across the globe can watch the live action of the match on the Star Sports Network.
The following will be the first match of the marquee ICC tournament and both Pakistan and New Zealand will eye to begin their campaign on a high note.
PAK vs NZ : Match Details
- 1st Match: PAK vs NZ, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Match Date & Time: 19th February, 2:30 PM IST
- Streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar app and website
PAK vs NZ: Team Previews
Pakistan
Despite their recent loss to New Zealand in the Tri-series just before the tournament, Pakistan enters the tournament in impressive form. The Men in Green have secured victories in their last three bilateral ODI series away from home, including a 2-1 win against reigning world champions Australia and a dominant 3-0 sweep over a strong South African team.
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New Zealand
New Zealand’s form looks strong both on paper and form. The Kiwis have made it to the knockout stages in four of the last five ICC World Cups. Additionally, they come into the tournament with a tri-series victory over Pakistan and South Africa, having defeated Pakistan twice in the process.
PAK vs NZ: Karachi Pitch Report
The National Stadium in Karachi is expected to favor batters while providing assistance to pacers early on. However, spinners may struggle to grip the ball in the second innings, making it easier for batters to attack them in the latter half of the game. Toss winners would like to bat here first.
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Toss and Match Prediction PAK vs NZ (CRICCHAMP OPINION)
Toss Winner: Pakistan
Match Winner: Pakistan
PAK vs NZ: Probable Playing XI
Pakistan Playing XI (probable): Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c) (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Hasnain, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
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New Zealand Playing XI (probable): Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Michael Bracewell, William O’Rourke