![Pakistan will face New Zealand in 1st match [Source: AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739879158724_PAK_NZ_Preview.jpg?type=mq)
Pakistan will face New Zealand in 1st match [Source: AP]
On Wednesday, Pakistan will lock horns with New Zealand in the first match of the ICC Champions Trophy. The much-awaited encounter will take place at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.
Recently, New Zealand handed Pakistan two crushing defeats in the ODI Tri-Series. Although Pakistan have improved their ODI performance under Mohammad Rizwan, the heartbreaking loss in the Tri-Series is something they would like to avenge in the Champions Trophy opener. Also, considering both teams have outright match-winners throughout their lineup, anticipate a cracking contest in Karachi.
PAK vs NZ: Historical Overview In ODIs And Champions Trophy
Pakistan and New Zealand faced each other for the very first time in an ODI way back in 1973. Overall, they have clashed in 118 ODI matches. Pakistan have the upper hand over New Zealand, winning 61 of those games. While the BlackCaps have managed 53 victories, one game has been tied, with three games ending without a result.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have a prolific head-to-head record against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, emerging victorious on all three occasions.
Pakistan And New Zealand Squads For Champions Trophy
Pakistan's Squad
Mohammad Rizwan (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (VC), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi
New Zealand Squad
Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Top Run-Scorers In PAK vs NZ ODIs
We have considered only the active players for this section.
Kane Williamson - 1290 runs
The legendary Kane Williamson is the highest run-getter across both sides in Pakistan vs New Zealand ODIs, having amassed 1290 runs at an average of 56.08 and a strike rate of 83.44. He has slammed three tons and eight half-centuries against the Men in Green.
Fakhar Zaman - 1053 runs
Swashbuckling opener Fakhar Zaman is Pakistan's most successful ODI batter against New Zealand among the active players. He has struck 1053 runs, including four centuries and six half-centuries, at an average of 65.81 and a strike rate of 95.90.
Babar Azam - 945 runs
Legendary batter Babar Azam has enjoyed stellar success against New Zealand in ODIs, scoring 945 runs, including two hundreds and eight fifties, at an average of 47.25 and a strike rate of 83.48.
Top Wicket-Takers In PAK vs NZ ODIs
We have considered only the active players for this section.
Matt Henry
Experienced seamer Matt Henry has the most wickets among the active players in Pakistan vs New Zealand. He has scalped 31 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 24.29 and a strike rate of 27.1.
Shaheen Afridi
Ace speedster Shaheen Afridi has remarkable numbers against New Zealand, having bagged 24 wickets in 11 ODIs at an average of 22.87 and a strike rate of 23.7.
Lockie Ferguson
New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson has been a proven performer against Pakistan, scalping 22 wickets in 12 ODIs at an average of 24.50 and a strike rate of 27.6. Unfortunately, he was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a foot injury.
PAK vs NZ Key Stats
Pakistan's Key Records
- Agha Salman in ODIs since January 2024: 428 runs, average - 53.50, SR- 97.72
- Rizwan has the joint-best record as Pakistan's ODI captain (8 wins in 12 matches, Win % - 66.66).
- Babar Azam as an ODI opener: 88 runs, Average- 17.60, SR - 78.57
- Shaheen Afridi in ODIs since 2024: 21 wickets in 9 matches, Average - 22.05, SR - 23.10
New Zealand's Key Records
- New Zealand have won three out of the last four ODIs against Pakistan. More importantly, they have won five out of nine matches against the Men in Green in Karachi.
- Tom Latham is the most successful New Zealand batter at Karachi stadium in ODIs (280 runs, average: 40, SR: 83.58).
- Kane Williamson in last 5 ODIs vs PAK: 325 runs, Average - 65
- Matt Henry in ODIs since 1st Jan 2023: 39 wickets, Average - 24.92, SR- 29.1
Records Which Could Be Broken In PAK vs NZ
- If Babar Azam slams a hundred, he will overtake Mohammad Yousuf to record the most ODI tons for Pakistan at home.
- If Shaheen Afridi scalps one wicket, he will surpass Imran Khan on the list of Pakistan's highest wicket-takers in ICC ODI events.
- If Kane Williamson scores a century, he will break Ross Taylor's record for the most ODI hundreds for New Zealand against Pakistan.
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