Pakistan vs New Zealand: Key Insights for Champions Trophy 2025 Opener
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Synopsis
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins on February 18 with Pakistan, the defending champions, playing against New Zealand. The match is set at the National Stadium in Karachi. Both teams are gearing up for a competitive opener, with Pakistan looking to leverage home advantage despite recent losses to New Zealand.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan is the defending champion, having won in 2017.
- New Zealand seeks its second Champions Trophy title.
- Mohammad Rizwan leads Pakistan with confidence.
- Fakhar Zaman was a standout player in the previous final.
- The match marks a historic return of ICC tournaments to Pakistan.
Karachi, Feb 18 (NationPress) The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off on Wednesday, featuring the 2017 champions, Pakistan, facing off against New Zealand in the tournament's inaugural match at the National Stadium in Karachi.
As the defending champions, Pakistan enters the tournament with pride, having triumphed over India in the final of 2017 under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed. Fakhar Zaman earned the title of Player of the Final for his stunning 114 runs off 106 balls, while Hasan Ali was named Player of the Tournament for taking 13 wickets across five matches.
Despite their victory, Pakistan is cautious as they prepare for the first ICC tournament held in the country since 1996. They recently faced two defeats against New Zealand in the Tri-nation ODI Series leading up to the event.
New Zealand, positioned in Group A alongside India, Bangladesh, and host Pakistan, aims to secure their second Champions Trophy title since 2000. They have consistently proven themselves as a formidable contender in recent ICC tournaments.
Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Rizwan, expressed, “A global event has returned to Pakistan after 29 years, and the entire nation is celebrating this significant moment. We have prepared diligently and learned from our past mistakes. We hope to perform well tomorrow, Insha’Allah.”
“Our primary aim is to win the tournament for our country and our people, and we are determined to achieve our goals,” he added.
Squads:
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicket-keeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (wicket-keeper), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
Time: The match between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to commence at 2:30 PM IST.
Broadcasting details: The match will be aired on Star Sports Network.
Live Streaming: Fans can catch the action live on Jio Hotstar.
