The Champions Trophy returns after eight years to give ODI Cricket some substance. ODIs have been minimal in the last few years and that is where the tournament will have a lot of significance. The tournament also marks the return of ICC Events in Pakistan. Pakistan, proud hosts, start the tournament and they will be wary of New Zealand who went past them well in the Tri-series before the tournament. New Zealand comes in with a good sense of Pakistan's conditions. They are without senior bowlers though with Matt Henry all that remains as New Zealand lose Ferguson to injury as well. Pakistan though will be happy with their line-up. Mohammad Rizwan is in pretty good form, but the opening partnership could have some work done to it.

PAK vs NZ Match Details

Date: February 19th, 2025

Time:  2:30 PM IST

Venue: Karachi

Pakistan vs New Zealand Weather Report

Clear weather and a nice evening is expected for the game.

PAK vs NZ Pitch Report

Average Score Batting First in the last five games: 302

Average Score Batting Second in the last five games: 268

Wins Batting First in the last five games: 3

Wins Batting Second in the last five games: 2

Karachi is on the higher scoring side but that could be a sign of things to come. Batting first has worked well in the last few games with the pitch more two-paced towards the end as the ball gets softer.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Head to Head

Stats	Matches	PAK Won	NZ Won	NR	Tie
Overall	118	61	53	3	1
At Karachi	9	4	5	0	0
Last Five Tests	5	2	3	7	0

 

PAK vs NZ Predicted Playing XI

NZ Playing XI

Rachin Ravindra/ Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Will O Rourkee, Matt Henry

PAK Playing XI

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khusdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed 

See Also: Champions Trophy 2025: PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction 1st Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Pakistan vs New Zealand Key Players

Matt Henry

Matt Henry is the only one remaining from a class of senior pacers. He is still pretty sharp with the new ball and will be looking for whatever purchase is available in Karachi.

Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan has a habit of bringing in players for specific tournaments. The move pays off occasionally and Fakhar Zaman looks to be one promising move. He was their star in the lat edition with a century in the final and he knows how to push the game on his own. 

PAK vs NZ Match Tips

Pakistan may be the home side but New Zealand are generally a side which can shake things up in tournaments. They have the mental boost of beating Pakistan in the tri-series final and will be supercharged.

Match Prediction: New Zealand Will Win the Match