PAK vs NZ the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is about to kick off, with the top eight teams vying for glory. Pakistan will defend their title and take on New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament.
The clash is set for Wednesday, February 19, at the National Stadium in Karachi. The two teams recently faced off in the ODI Tri-series, where New Zealand emerged as the comfortable winners.
However, Pakistan’s unpredictability always makes them a formidable opponent. On the other hand, New Zealand, buoyed by their Tri-series victory, will be eager to replicate that performance and make a strong start to the tournament.
PAK vs NZ: Match Details
Match: Pakistan (PAK) vs New Zealand (NZ), Match 1, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Match Date: February 19, 2025 (Wednesday)
Time: 2:30 PM IST / 09:00 AM GMT / 02:00 PM LOCAL
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
PAK vs NZ: Head-to-Head Record – PAK (61) – NZ (53)
Pakistan and New Zealand have faced off in 118 ODIs, with Pakistan winning 61 matches and New Zealand 53. Three games have ended without a result, and one match has ended in a tie.
PAK vs NZ: Weather Update
The weather forecast for Wednesday in Karachi predicts humid conditions, with the maximum temperature reaching 28°C. Humidity is expected to hover around 40-45%.
PAK vs NZ: Pitch Report
The pitch is expected to provide an even playing surface. Due to the humidity, spinners may find some assistance early in the game. In the second innings, dew could play a role. The new ball is expected to move, posing a challenge for the batters, while chasing may prove to be an advantage.
PAK vs NZ: Predicted XIs:
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke
Suggested Dream11 Fantasy Team No. 1 PAK vs NZ Dream11:
Wicket-keepers: Devon Conway, Mohammad Rizwan
Batters: Kane Williamson, Fakhar Zaman, Daryl Mitchell
All-rounders: Agha Salman, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah
Captain First-Choice: Kane Williamson || Captain Second-Choice: Fakhar Zaman
Vice-Captain First-Choice: Daryl Mitchell || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Shaheen Afridi
Suggested Dream11 Fantasy Team No. 2 PAK vs NZ Dream11:
Wicket-keepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Devon Conway
Batters: Kane Williamson, Fakhar Zaman, Daryl Mitchell, Babar Azam
All-rounders: Agha Salman, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Micheal Bracewell
Bowler: Shaheen Afridi
Captain First-Choice: Agha Salman || Captain Second-Choice: Micheal Bracewell
Vice-Captain First-Choice: Daryl Mitchell || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Mohammad Rizwan
PAK vs NZ: Dream11 Prediction – Who Will Win?
New Zealand enters this match as the favorites due to their strong current form. Pakistan, on the other hand, is struggling with the right combination, especially with issues surrounding their fifth bowler. Given these factors, we predict New Zealand to come out on top in this game.