![Pakistan to face New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025 [Source: AP Photo]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739868162914_Pakistan_New_Zealand_Champions_Trophy_2025.jpg?type=mq)
Pakistan to face New Zealand in Champions Trophy 2025 [Source: AP Photo]
For the tournament opener of Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will clash with New Zealand. The match will be held on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi starting from 2.30 PM IST.
Pakistan
Pakistan are the host for this tournament and will look to start on a high. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the team has made significant changes to the squad.
While Saim Ayub is ruled out with injury, Babar Azam is set to open with Fakhar Zaman.
Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will spearhead the pace lineup with Abrar Ahmed being a key spinner. With a home turf advantage, Pakistan will likely have an upper hand in this game.
New Zealand
Meanwhile, New Zealand have also curated a potent squad for Champions Trophy 2025. Led by Mitchell Santner, the Kiwis will have Kane Williamson’s experience and Matt Henry’s youth to balance the squad.
However, Rachin Ravindra’s inclusion is still under the scanner after he suffered a huge blow on his forehead during the ODI tri-series. If he misses out, New Zealand’s top order could suffer.
Overall, with margins of error lesser in this event, the Kiwis will be under pressure to perform their best.
National Stadium, Karachi, Pitch Report for Match 1
The National Stadium in Karachi is famous for its batter-friendly pitch, which promises a lively contest between bat and ball.
Expect consistent pace and bounce throughout the match, providing a solid foundation for the batters.
However, as the game progresses, spinners and slower bowlers could come into play with some turn available later on, potentially creating opportunities for wickets.
Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices for PAK vs NZ
3. Shaheen Afridi
Why Will Shaheen Afridi Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
New ball impact: Shaheen Afridi is one of Pakistan’s most trusted wicket-taking bowlers. He can wreak havoc with the new ball, fetching multiple wickets in the powerplay. His yorkers and precise length deliveries could dismantle any batter on a given day. Hence, Afridi is a good captain or vice-captain choice for this game.
Recent form: Shaheen Afridi picked 6 wickets in 3 innings in the tri-nation series. Moreover, in the ODI series against South Africa held in December-January, the pacer picked 7 wickets in 3 innings, including a four-wicket-haul.
2. Fakhar Zaman
Why Will Fakhar Zaman Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Explosive opener: Fakhar Zaman has a flair to destroy the opposition in the powerplay, providing a good start to Pakistan. His intent is fearless and his approach is aggressive, which makes him a threatening opener. He takes less time to settle at the crease and can fire right from ball one.
Recent form: As for recent form, Fakhar Zaman scored 135 runs in 3 innings in the last tri-nation series. Moreover, in ILT20 2025, he accumulated 222 runs in 9 innings. Also in the Pakistan T20 Cup, he hammered 303 runs in 10 innings.
1. Kane Williamson
Why Will Kane Williamson Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-captain?
Experience: Kane Williamson is an experienced top-order batter who has played multiple ICC tournaments for New Zealand. He can absorb the pressure and play a long yet impactful inning in the ODI format to ensure his team gets a good total or chase one for that matter.
Recent form: Williamson has been in terrific form since returning to the ODI format. In the last tri-nation series, he slammed 225 runs in 3 innings, including an unbeaten 133. Moreover, in SA20 2025, he hammered 233 runs in 7 games. In the Test series against England, he scored 395 runs in 6 innings, with 1 century and 2 fifties.
 (1).jpg?type=mq "PAK vs NZ Weather Report")
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