National Stadium Karachi Pitch Report For SA vs ENG Champions Trophy 2025 Match

Debashis Sarangi

National Stadium, Karachi [Source: AP]National Stadium, Karachi [Source: AP]

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On Saturday, South Africa will cross swords against England in the eleventh group-stage match of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. The much-awaited face-off will be played at the iconic National Stadium in Karachi. 

Led by Temba Bavuma, South Africa had an astounding start to the tournament, securing an emphatic win against Afghanistan. On the contrary, England have already been eliminated of the tournament, having lost two successive matches. 

So, with Jos Buttler captaining them for the last time, the Englishmen would be desperate to break their losing streak and conclude the tournament on a high note. As both teams gear up for a cracking battle, let's see how the surface at National Stadium in Karachi will behave throughout the contest.  

National Stadium Karachi Stats

Criterion
Data
Matches played80
Matches won batting 1st38
Matches won bowling 1st39
Average 1st innings score241
Average 2nd innings score205

The data in the above table shows the overall stats at Karachi's National Stadium in Men's and Women's ODIs. If we talk about the 2025 Champions Trophy, the venue has hosted two games, with teams batting first emerging victorious on both occasions. 

The average 1st innings score at this venue in the tournament reads 317.5, with the team batting second averaging 234. 

National Stadium Karachi Pitch Report Today

The pitch at National Stadium in Karachi has offered a balanced contest between bat and ball in the Champions Trophy. While the batters have enjoyed the pitch's pace and bounce in the afternoon, the bowlers have joined the party in the second innings. 

The pitch in Karachi isn't expected to offer significant seam movement to the fast bowlers. So, the pacers will primarily rely on hitting the deck and varying their pace to succeed at this venue. 

As the game progresses, the pitch might slow down a bit and assist the spinners in the second innings. Considering the teams setting the target have won both games, the toss-winner might opt to bat first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Gaddafi Stadium Lahore

Ryan Rickelton

  • South Africa's explosive batter Ryan Rickelton played a magnificent knock in the first game against Afghanistan. He struck a belligerent ton at this venue and could be a game-changer for his side in this match. 

Joe Root

  • England's talismanic batter Joe Root has enjoyed stellar success in the Champions Trophy. He has amassed 188 runs at a superb average of 94 and a strike rate of 99.47 and might be a threat to the Proteas in this match. 

Kagiso Rabada

  • South Africa's premier speedster Kagiso Rabada has impressive numbers against England. He has bagged 21 wickets in only ten ODIs against the Englishmen and might rattle their lineup if he gets going. 

P.S: Apart from these players, the eyes will be on Ben Duckett, Jofra Archer, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen.