Pak vs NZ ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Predicted lineup and match details
Karachi is set to host the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener tomorrow, where defending champions Pakistan will take on a determined New Zealand side.
With both teams aiming to make a strong start, squad selections and playing conditions will play a crucial role in shaping the contest.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Match details
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM PST (Toss at 1:30 PM IST)
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
Live Broadcast: Ten Sports, PTV Sports
Predicted playing XIs
Pakistan's lineup looks well-balanced, with an in-form Babar Azam leading a formidable batting unit.
Rizwan's leadership and consistency behind the stumps will be crucial, while Fakhar Zaman's aggressive start could set the tone.
In the bowling department, the pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will look to exploit early movement.
Rizwan also confirmed in a press conference on today that Haris Rauf is fit. He could possibly feature for Pakistan in their opening match as well.
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed is also expected to play a vital role on home soil.
Pakistan's probable XI:
Fakhar Zaman
Babar Azam
Saud Shakeel
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk)
Salman Ali Agha
Tayyab Tahir
Khushdil Shah
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Naseem Shah
Abrar Ahmed
Haris Rauf
New Zealand, despite Lockie Ferguson's unfortunate injury ruling him out of the tournament, still presents a strong squad.
Kane Williamson's presence in the middle order is a major boost, while Devon Conway and Will Young will be key at the top.
The bowling attack, led by Santner, will rely on Matt Henry's pace and Jamieson's bounce to challenge Pakistan's batters.
New Zealand's probable XI:
Will Young
Devon Conway
Kane Williamson
Rachin Ravindra
Daryl Mitchell
Tom Latham (wk)
Glenn Phillips
Mitchell Santner (c)
Nathan Smith
Matt Henry
Kyle Jamieson
National Stadium pitch report
The pitch at Karachi's National Stadium has historically been batting-friendly, but early movement for pacers cannot be ruled out.
As the game progresses, the surface should favour batters, while spinners could find some grip later on
Head-to-Head & recent form
Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other multiple times in ICC tournaments, with Pakistan holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record.
Both teams recently competed in a tri-series alongside South Africa, with New Zealand finishing on a high and Pakistan showing flashes of brilliance.
Match outlook
With Pakistan banking on home advantage and New Zealand eager to prove their mettle, the opening encounter promises to be a thrilling clash.
Both teams have strong top orders, match-winning all-rounders, and varied bowling attacks, making the battle for an early edge in the tournament even more intense.
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