The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off with an intense clash between Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19, 2025, at the National Stadium, Karachi. As the host nation, Pakistan will look to make a winning start, while New Zealand aims to showcase their strength on the global stage.
Match Details
Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand
Date: February 19, 2025
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
Time: 2:00 PM Local Time | 9:00 AM GMT
Live Streaming: Star Sports, PTV Sports, Sky Sports, and Disney+ Hotstar
Team Analysis (PAK VS NZ)
Pakistan – Defending Champions on Home Soil
Pakistan enters the tournament as the defending champions, having won the title in 2017. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the team boasts a formidable pace attack and a blend of experienced and young talents.
Key Players:
✔ Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & Wicketkeeper): A consistent performer with the bat and behind the stumps.
✔ Babar Azam: A world-class batsman known for his elegant stroke play.
✔ Shaheen Afridi: A left-arm pacer capable of delivering early breakthroughs.
✔ Shadab Khan: An all-rounder who adds depth to both batting and bowling departments.
Strengths:
✅ Strong top-order batting lineup
✅ Home conditions advantage
✅ Dominant fast-bowling unit
Challenges:
❌ Middle-order inconsistency
❌ Pressure handling in big matches
New Zealand – The Resilient Contenders
New Zealand, under the new leadership of Mitchell Santner, has restructured their team following the retirement of veterans like Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Despite these changes, the Kiwis have showcased strong performances, including a recent tri-nation series victory in Pakistan.
Key Players:
✔ Mitchell Santner (Captain): An experienced all-rounder leading from the front.
✔ Kane Williamson: A seasoned batsman providing stability to the lineup.
✔ Devon Conway: A reliable top-order batsman with a solid technique.
✔ Lockie Ferguson: A fast bowler known for his express pace and wicket-taking abilities.
Strengths:
✅ Well-rounded squad with depth in both batting and bowling
✅ Strong fielding unit
✅ Experience in pressure situations
Challenges:
❌ Adapting to subcontinental conditions
❌ Inconsistencies in the middle order
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Head-to-Head Record in ICC Champions Trophy
Pakistan and New Zealand have faced off multiple times in ICC events, with both teams securing key wins in the past. However, Pakistan has the edge in head-to-head encounters, especially in subcontinental conditions.
Past Encounters in ICC Champions Trophy:
1996: New Zealand won
2009: New Zealand won
2017: Pakistan won (on their way to becoming champions)
Pitch Report & Weather Condition
The National Stadium in Karachi is known for its balanced pitch, offering something for both batsmen and bowlers. Fast bowlers may get some early swing, while spinners could play a crucial role in the middle overs.
Weather Forecast:
☀ Clear skies with no rain expected, ensuring a full 50-over match.
Predicted Playing XIs
Pakistan:
- Mohammad Rizwan (c)
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Saud Shakeel
- Tayyab Tahir
- Khushdil Shah
- Usman Khan
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi.
New Zealand:
- Mitchell Santner (c),
- Michael Bracewell
- Mark Chapman
- Devon Conway
- Lockie Ferguson
- Tom Latham
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Nathan Smith
- Kane Williamson
- Will Young
Match Prediction: Who Has the Edge?
The Pakistan vs New Zealand clash is expected to be a closely contested battle. Pakistan’s home advantage and pace attack could be the deciding factor, while New Zealand’s resilience in ICC tournaments makes them a strong contender.
Key Factors That Could Influence the Match:
⚡ Early wickets – The team that strikes first will gain an advantage.
⚡ Middle-over partnerships – Consistent batting could set the tone.
⚡ Death overs – A strong finish with both bat and ball will be crucial.
Winning Probability:
- Pakistan: 55%
- New Zealand: 45%
FAQs – Pakistan vs New Zealand, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
1. When and where is the Pakistan vs New Zealand match scheduled?
- The highly anticipated match between Pakistan and New Zealand will take place on February 19, 2025, at the iconic National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan.
2. What time does the match begin?
- The match is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM Local Time (Pakistan), which is 9:00 AM GMT for international viewers.
3. How can I watch the match live?
- You can catch the live action of the Pakistan vs New Zealand match on Star Sports, PTV Sports, Sky Sports, and via live streaming on JioHotstar.
4. Who are the captains of Pakistan and New Zealand?
- Pakistan is led by Mohammad Rizwan, a talented wicketkeeper-batsman.
- New Zealand is captained by the experienced all-rounder Mitchell Santner.
5. What is the head-to-head record between Pakistan and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy?
- In the 2017 Champions Trophy, Pakistan defeated New Zealand, paving their way to ultimately winning the tournament. This victory remains a key highlight in their Champions Trophy history.
6. What type of pitch conditions are expected for this match?
- The pitch at National Stadium, Karachi is expected to be balanced, offering early assistance for fast bowlers, while also providing opportunities for spinners to have an impact as the match progresses.
7. Who are the key players to watch in this match?
Pakistan’s Key Players:
- Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Shaheen Afridi (Pacer)
- Babar Azam (Top-order batsman)
- Shadab Khan (All-rounder)
New Zealand’s Key Players:
- Mitchell Santner (Captain & All-rounder)
- Devon Conway (Batsman)
- Lockie Ferguson (Fast Bowler)
- Kane Williamson (Batsman)
8. What are the predicted chances of each team winning?
- Pakistan has a 55% chance to win, benefiting from their home-ground advantage and a well-balanced squad.
- New Zealand stands at 45%, with their rich history in ICC tournaments and ability to adapt to challenging conditions.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match promises to be an exciting clash as both teams look to make a strong start in the tournament. With a blend of top-tier batting and bowling talent, the encounter is expected to offer thrilling moments.
What are your predictions for this highly anticipated match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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New Zealand playing XI 2025,Pakistan playing XI 2025