Fakhar Zaman is set to make his comeback against Pakistan (Source:@Rnawaz31888/X.com)
Pakistan are all set to host Champions Trophy 2025 from February 19, but before that the fans would also get to witness the tri-series where New Zealand and South Africa are participating along with the host nation. The series is a good preparation for the ICC event as it would help them iron out their flaws.
The first match will be between Pakistan and New Zealand, and it will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, February 8. Both teams would be looking to get off the mark in style, and there are some high-profile players who will be in action in this game. So, let's now look at the three players to watch out for this encounter.
3. Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi is the leader of the attack for Pakistan and is a crucial asset for them across formats. Pakistan selectors have recently tried to preserve the pacer for Champions Trophy 2025 by not selecting him in Test cricket, and so far the move has worked with Shaheen bagging 15 wickets in last six ODIs.
| Player | Wkts In 2024 | Wkts vs NZ | Wkts In PAK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | 15 In 9 Games | 20 In 9 Games | 25 In 13 Games |
He would be now fresh and itching to go in the tri-series as well and has great record against New Zealand with 20 wickets in nine matches. He has also been pretty successful in his home conditions with 25 wickets in 13 matches and could pose a threat to New Zealand once again.
2. Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson is back at his full fitness and whenever he is playing, the consistency is guaranteed. He recently played eight matches in SA20 where he scored his 233 runs at an average of 46.60 and we can expect him to do even better in the ODI format where he gets time to build his innings.
The former Kiwi captain has 6810 runs in 157 ODI innings and has an average of 48.64 which includes 13 hundreds and 45 fifties. He has a brilliant record against Pakistan too where he has scored 1198 runs in 22 matches at an average of 57.04 and has three hundreds and seven fifties.
Kane Williamson's Record Against Pakistan In ODIs
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | 100/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kane Williamson | 22 | 1198 | 57.04 | 3/7 |
The conditions in Pakistan are expected to be good for batting and Kane Williamson is bound to make most of it. Williamson has two fifties in three ODIs that he has played in Pakistan and expect a big score from in the first ODI too.
1. Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman is back for Pakistan after missing few series due to his controversial post on X. There is no doubt about his quality though and he is one Pakistan batter who can destroy bowling attacks right from the onset. The Men in Green would need him to fire, and expect the flat pitch in Lahore to assist his style of play against New Zealand.
Fakhar Zaman has a brilliant record agains Black Caps as he has scored 959 runs at an average of 68.50. He has four hundreds and five fifties against them too, while has also scored 851 runs in 19 home ODIs.
Fakhar Zaman's Record Against New Zealand in ODIs
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | 100/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | 17 | 959 | 68.50 | 4/5 |
The average at home is 47.27 while he has three hundreds and four fifties and a career strike-rate of 93.44 which shows the kind of impact he makes with his big knocks. The fact that he is making a comeback after being ignored in the last few series would make him more hungry and it can also play a factor in the game against the Kiwis.
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