The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off with an exciting clash between Pakistan and New Zealand at the revamped Karachi Stadium on Wednesday, February 19. This much-anticipated tournament marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, bringing back one of the most competitive ODI events in world cricket. As both teams gear up for the opening encounter, fans worldwide are eager to see how the teams perform on the grand stage.
New Zealand’s Dominance and Pakistan’s Fightback
In recent years, New Zealand has established dominance over Pakistan in ODIs. Since the start of 2019, no team has played more ODIs in Pakistan than the Kiwis, winning a significant number of matches against the home side. Just five days ago, New Zealand claimed victory over Pakistan in the final of a tri-nation series in Karachi, adding to their confidence heading into this encounter.
However, history favors Pakistan in major ICC tournaments. In both the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups, Pakistan managed to defeat New Zealand, proving their ability to rise to the occasion. Pakistan will be eager to make a strong statement in the opening game, especially as they seek to defend their title after winning the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Key Players to Watch
For Pakistan, all eyes will be on Babar Azam. The star batter has struggled for form recently, failing to score a century in his last 21 ODI innings. His promotion to the top of the order is aimed at exploiting powerplay conditions and regaining his run-scoring touch. Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, will also play a crucial role in restricting the Kiwis.
On the other hand, New Zealand’s batting will be anchored by Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell. The major talking point for the Blackcaps is the fitness of Rachin Ravindra, who suffered an injury during the tri-series against Pakistan. If fit, Ravindra will likely open alongside Conway. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s spin duo of Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell will look to exploit Pakistan’s weakness against slow bowlers, having dominated them in the recent tri-series.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other three times in the Champions Trophy (2000, 2006, and 2009), with New Zealand emerging victorious on all three occasions. However, their recent ODI record has been more balanced, with Pakistan winning six out of their last 11 encounters.
Likely Playing XIs
New Zealand: Will Young/Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith/Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke.
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam/Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf.
With both teams looking to make a winning start, the Champions Trophy opener promises to be an enthralling battle between bat and ball. Cricket fans worldwide will be eagerly watching as Pakistan and New Zealand begin their quest for glory.
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