Pak vs NZ 1st Match Prediction
Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match will be played in a newly constructed National Bank Stadium, Karachi. The day night game will start at 2:00 PM (PKT). Fans will look for the prediction of Pak vs NZ game especially those who are participating in fantasy leagues.
Ahead of the game, here is a look at the win predictions, the pitch report, and the players to watch-out for during the game.
PAK vs NZ 1st Match Live Streaming
PAK vs NZ Today Match Preview
New Zealand arrived to Pakistan with a mission. They won both of their first games in the Tri Nation Series in a convincing fashion. They will be looking to add another trophy to their cabinet now. Defending Champion Pakistan despite being the hosts are unpredictable and on their day, they can dominate any side.
The opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a thrilling encounter, setting the tone for what is expected to be a highly competitive tournament. Hosts Pakistan, are riding on the momentum of home support. The match will not only be a test of skill but also a showcase of high-pressure cricket, as both teams aim to start their campaign on a winning note. Fans can expect a packed stadium as it was during the inauguration of the stadium on 11th February.
With the pressure of being the defending champions and host nation, Pakistan also has the pressure of never beating New Zealand in the history of Champions Trophy.
PAK vs NZ Head to Head Record
In ODIs
Team | Played | Won | Lost | Tie | NR |
Pakistan | 117 | 61 | 52 | 1 | 3 |
New Zealand | 117 | 52 | 61 | 1 | 3 |
In Champions Trophy
Team | Played | Won | Lost | Tie | NR |
Pakistan | 3 | 0 | 3 | NIL | NIL |
New Zealand | 3 | 3 | 0 | NIL | NIL |
NZ vs PAK ICC CT Game 1 Weather & Pitch Report
On 19th February, the weather will be clear. The maximum temperate predicted is 28 degree while the lowest is 22. It will be a nice and clear day with 22km/h wind.
The pitch at National Bank Stadium is usually favorable for the batters with a just a little help for the spinners, in second innings if there is no dew.
Toss Report NZ vs PAK Champions Trophy 2025
Bowling first can be a wise option if there is dew predicted. Otherwise, batting first and piling up big runs on the board is preferred.
National Bank Stadium Karachi Records
The highest team total at the National Bank Stadium Karachi is of India, when they scored 374 against Hong Kong in 2008. As far as chasing is concerned, 300+ is successfully chased only 4 times in 50+ ODIs played at this venue.
Players to Watch-Out For
Players | Team | Role | Recent Form |
Shaheen Shah Afridi | PAKISTAN | Bowler | Good |
Salman Ali Agha | PAKISTAN | All Rounder | Excellent |
Kane Williamson | NEW ZEALAND | Batter | Brilliant |
Glenn Phillips | NEW ZEALAND | All Rounder | Brilliant |
Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the pace attack of team Pakistan and was the MVP of Pakistan with the ball last year. He took multiple wickets in tri-series as well just before the CT 25. Salman Ali Agha has been in decent touch too. He contributes with the bat, bowls really good spin and is a gun fielder too.
Glenn Phillips is also pretty much like Salman Ali Agha as he contributes in all departments. However, Phillips is a better striker of the ball. Returning Kane Williamson has also made great impact for New Zealand in the tri series. He will be the trump card for the Kiwis.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Team Squads
Pakistan Squads
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (Capt and WK), Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan/Irfan Niazi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Sufiyan Muqeem.
New Zeland Squads
Will Young/Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Mark Chapman/Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Philips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Lockie Ferguson, William O’Rourke and Matt Henry.