Karachi is all set to host the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener tomorrow, where defending champions Pakistan will take on a determined New Zealand side in what promises to be an electrifying encounter. With both teams aiming to start their campaign on a high, squad selections and playing conditions will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the match.
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 Squad: Pakistan looks like a well-balanced side heading into the match, with an in-form Babar Azam leading a formidable batting unit. The experience of Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps and his consistency with the bat will be pivotal. Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive approach at the top could set the tone early. In the bowling department, the pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah will look to exploit early movement.
Mohammad Rizwan confirmed in a press conference that Haris Rauf is fit and could be part of Pakistan’s XI for the opener. Additionally, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed is 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’s Squad: Despite the setback of Lockie Ferguson’s injury, New Zealand still boasts a strong squad. The presence of Kane Williamson in the middle order provides crucial experience, while the openers, Devon Conway and Will Young, will play key roles at the top. The bowling attack, led by Mitchell Santner, will rely on Matt Henry’s pace and Kyle 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 is historically batting-friendly, but early movement for pacers cannot be ruled out. As the game progresses, the surface is expected to favour batters, with spinners possibly finding some grip later on.
Head-to-Head & Recent Form: Pakistan holds a slight edge in their head-to-head record against New Zealand in ICC tournaments. Both teams recently competed in a tri-series alongside South Africa, with New Zealand finishing strong, while Pakistan displayed flashes of brilliance.
Match Outlook: With Pakistan relying on home advantage and New Zealand eager to prove their mettle, this opening match promises to be a thrilling clash. Both teams possess strong top orders, match-winning all-rounders, and varied bowling attacks, making the battle for an early edge in the tournament even more intense.
