PAK vs NZ Today | Pakistan vs New Zealand Prediction, Match Preview, Playing XI, Dream11 Fantasy Tips, Karachi Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Winning Prediction

A Historic Tournament Returns to Pakistan

After nearly three decades, Pakistan is set to host its first ICC tournament—the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025. Cricket remains a dominant force in Pakistan, and the nation is buzzing with excitement as the global spotlight shines on its cricketing passion. The opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand promises to be an electrifying contest, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a fiercely competitive tournament.

While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ensured that the tournament runs smoothly with all necessary security measures in place, the real focus is on how Mohammad Rizwan’s side will fare under the weight of home expectations. Pakistan will look to defend their Champions Trophy title from 2017, and nothing short of a victorious start will satisfy their passionate fans.

Match Details

• Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st Match, Group A, ICC Champions Trophy 2025

• Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025

• Time: 14:00 Local Time (14:30 IST)

• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

• Weather Forecast: Clear skies with a high of 29°C; no rain expected.

Pitch Report & Conditions

The National Stadium in Karachi has been a high-scoring venue in recent times. With an average first-innings score of 289, the pitch has historically favored batters, but pacers have also had their say. The highest successful chase at this ground was 355, showing that big totals are not always safe.

Key Pitch Stats:

• Pace vs Spin: Pacers have taken 60.71% of wickets, while spinners account for 39.29%.

• Last 8 ODIs: Equal win ratio for teams batting first and chasing (4 wins each).

• Run Rate: One of the fastest-scoring ODI venues since 2023.

Expect early assistance for fast bowlers, but as the match progresses, batting will become easier, making it crucial for teams to capitalize on the powerplay and middle overs.

Head-to-Head: Pakistan vs New Zealand

• Last 5 ODIs: Pakistan - LWLWW | New Zealand - WWWLW

• Total ODIs played between the two: 115 (Pakistan won 60, New Zealand won 55)

• Last 11 ODIs (Since 2023): Pakistan won 6, New Zealand won 5

• Champions Trophy Record: New Zealand has beaten Pakistan in all three meetings (2000, 2006, 2009)

Team News & Probable Playing XI

Pakistan:

Haris Rauf is back from injury and available for selection. The team has also taken a bold approach with its batting order changes, moving Babar Azam to an opening role.

Probable XI:

1. Fakhar Zaman

2. Babar Azam

3. Saud Shakeel/Kamran Ghulam

4. Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk)

5. Salman Agha

6. Tayyab Tahir

7. Khushdil Shah

8. Shaheen Afridi

9. Naseem Shah

10. Haris Rauf

11. Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand:

New Zealand has suffered major injury setbacks. Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears are ruled out, and Rachin Ravindra is still recovering from a head injury.

Probable XI:

1. Rachin Ravindra/Will Young

2. Devon Conway

3. Kane Williamson (c)

4. Daryl Mitchell

5. Tom Latham (wk)

6. Glenn Phillips

7. Michael Bracewell

8. Mitchell Santner

9. Matt Henry

10. Jacob Duffy/Nathan Smith

11. Will O’Rourke

Key Players to Watch

Pakistan:

• Babar Azam: The backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, now opening the innings.

• Shaheen Afridi: Highest ODI wicket-taker since the 2023 World Cup.

• Mohammad Rizwan: Captain and a consistent performer under pressure.

New Zealand:

• Devon Conway: Struggled against Naseem Shah but is a game-changer if he settles.

• Mitchell Santner & Michael Bracewell: Crucial for controlling the middle overs.

• Kane Williamson: The most experienced batter in the squad, key in big matches.

Match Prediction & Winning Chances

Strengths & Weaknesses:

• Pakistan: Home advantage, strong bowling attack, but inconsistent middle order.

• New Zealand: Recent dominance over Pakistan, strong spin duo, but struggling with injuries.

Winning Prediction:

• Pakistan: 55% chance of winning (due to home conditions & full-strength squad).

• New Zealand: 45% chance of winning (reliable batting unit but injury-hit squad).

Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Team Picks

Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

• Babar Azam (C) – Likely to score big as an opener.

• Shaheen Afridi (VC) – Wicket-taking threat with the new ball.

Best XI for Fantasy Cricket:

1. Mohammad Rizwan 

2. Babar Azam (C)

3. Kane Williamson

4. Fakhar Zaman

5. Daryl Mitchell

6. Glenn Phillips

7. Mitchell Santner

8. Shaheen Afridi (VC)

9. Haris Rauf

10. Matt Henry

11. Naseem Shah

Interesting Facts

• Pakistan, the defending champions, last won the Champions Trophy in 2017.

• New Zealand has never lost to Pakistan in Champions Trophy history.

• Daryl Mitchell has the best ODI batting average (50.42) among New Zealand batters with 1000+ runs.

• Tom Latham has hit three fifties in his last seven ODIs at this venue.

• Shaheen Afridi has taken 21 wickets at 22.04 in ODIs since the 2023 World Cup.

Final Thoughts

With Pakistan eager to make a winning start at home and New Zealand looking to overcome injury concerns, the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be an enthralling battle. The Karachi pitch promises runs and excitement, but early wickets and middle-over battles will define the contest. Will Pakistan break their Champions Trophy losing streak against the Kiwis, or will New Zealand’s experience in these conditions prove decisive?

Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling tournament opener!