Pakistan and New Zealand kicked off the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at National Bank Stadium, Karachi, with Pakistan winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. This much-anticipated tournament returns after an eight-year gap, with the last edition held in 2017, where Pakistan lifted the trophy by defeating India in the final.
New Zealand opened their innings with Devon Conway and Will Young, while Shaheen Afridi took the new ball for Pakistan. The opening overs were tight, with Pakistan’s pacers keeping things under control.
New Zealand had a steady start, but the introduction of Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah brought wickets. Devon Conway was dismissed for 10 runs off 17 balls when a delivery from Naseem gripped off the surface and knocked back his off-stump. Kane Williamson also fell early, scoring just 1 run, as he edged a rising delivery from Naseem Shah to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.
At the 13-over mark, New Zealand had scored 64 runs for the loss of two wickets, with Haris Rauf coming in to bowl his first over.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, Will O’Rourke.
Read Also: Here How to Watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025!
Pakistan vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Stats:
Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other in 118 ODI matches. Pakistan has won 61 times, while New Zealand has secured victory in 53 matches. Three matches ended without a result, and one match was tied.
However, in Champions Trophy history, New Zealand has dominated Pakistan, winning all three encounters.
- Overall ODIs: Matches 118 | Pakistan 61 | New Zealand 53 | No Result 3 | Tie 1
- Champions Trophy: Matches 3 | Pakistan 0 | New Zealand 3
Champions Trophy 2025 Overview:
This edition of the Champions Trophy features eight teams, divided into two groups. Group A consists of Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B includes Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.
The tournament spans 19 days, with 15 matches played across Pakistan and Dubai. Each team will compete in three group-stage matches, and the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
Cricket fans worldwide are excited for this thrilling competition, especially with Pakistan hosting the prestigious tournament. The opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand has already set the tone for what promises to be an exciting Champions Trophy 2025.
Read Also: Pakistan Unveils New Jersey for ICC Champions Trophy 2025!
