PAK vs NZ, Match 1, Head-to-head, Analysis data & fantasy for Champions Trophy 2025

Preview

Pakistan will face New Zealand in the first match of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday, February 19, at the National Stadium in Karachi. The Champions Trophy is taking place after a gap of eight years. Pakistan, the defending champions, are hosting an ICC tournament for the first time since 1996 and will be looking for a solid start.

Pakistan are currently ranked third in ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, while New Zealand are in fourth place. Both the teams were recently involved in a tri-series featuring South Africa as well. New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the final of the series by five wickets after chasing down the target of 243 runs in 45.2 overs. This match was played at the National Stadium as well.

PAK vs NZ Head to Head

Pakistan and New Zealand have played a total of 118 ODI matches so far against each other. New Zealand have won 53 out of these 118 games, while Pakistan have won 61 matches. At the National Stadium in Karachi, both teams have played nine games. New Zealand have won five out of these nine matches, while Pakistan have won the remaining four games.

PAK vs NZ Pitch Report

The average first innings score at the National Stadium in ODIs has been 239 runs. The batters are likely to dominate in this game. In the last 10 matches at this venue, spinners have picked 54% of wickets. The team winning the toss might look to bowl here.

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PAK vs NZ Weather Report

The weather is likely to remain clear throughout this match. The temperature might be over 25℃ during the entirety of this game. The probability of rain is almost nill here.

PAK vs NZ Top Fantasy Picks

Agha Salman

Salman was the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in the recently concluded tri-series. He scored 219 runs in three games at an average of 73 and a strike rate of 100.

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Shaheen Afridi

Afridi has taken 24 wickets in 11 ODI games against New Zealand so far at an average of 22.87, an economy of 5.78, and a strike rate of 23.7. He is the highest-ranked bowler from Pakistan in the ICC rankings.

PAK vs NZ Fantasy Captain picks

Kane Williamson

The former Kiwi skipper was the leading run-scorer for the team in the recently concluded ODI tri-series and made 225 runs in three games at a strike rate of 89.64.

Michael Bracewell

Bracewell might be a key performer for New Zealand in the tournament. He can make contributions with both bat and ball. In the tri-series, he finished with five wickets in three games at an average of 24.40.

PAK vs NZ Head to Head Fantasy Team for Match 1 of Champions Trophy 2025

PAK vs NZ Grand Fantasy Team for Match 1 of Champions Trophy 2025

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