Get the latest updates on the Pakistan vs New Zealand match in Champions Trophy 2025. Check playing XI, pitch report, match predictions, fantasy cricket tips, and more. Don’t miss out on expert analysis!
The highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, 2025, marking the return of the tournament after an eight-year gap. The last edition was held in 2017, where Pakistan emerged as the champions. The first match of the tournament will see Pakistan, the defending champions, take on New Zealand. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how both teams perform in this high-stakes opener.
Match Details: Pakistan vs New Zealand
- Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Date: February 19, 2025
- Time: 2:00 PM IST
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Live Streaming: Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar
This match will set the tone for the tournament, and both teams will be eager to start with a win.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Predicted Playing XI
Pakistan’s Playing XI (Probable)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Tayyab Tahir
- Khushdil Shah
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Abrar Ahmed
- (One of) Haris Rauf / Faheem Ashraf
✅ Key Strengths: Strong opening pair, experienced middle order, lethal pace attack with Shaheen Afridi & Naseem Shah.
❌ Concerns: Form of certain middle-order batters, injuries to key players.
Read More: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Team Captains List – Full Analysis & Records
New Zealand’s Playing XI (Probable)
- Devon Conway
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (WK)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner
- Matt Henry
- Will Young / Rachin Ravindra
- Lockie Ferguson / Jacob Duffy
- Trent Boult
✅ Key Strengths: Experienced top order, all-rounder depth, solid bowling attack.
❌ Concerns: Injury concerns for Rachin Ravindra and Lockie Ferguson, middle-order consistency.
Fantasy Cricket Tips for Pakistan vs New Zealand
If you’re playing Dream11, Vision11, or My11Circle, here are the best picks:
Top Picks for Captain & Vice-Captain
- Babar Azam (PAK) – Consistent run-scorer
- Shaheen Afridi (PAK) – Early wicket-taker
- Kane Williamson (NZ) – Experienced batter
- Devon Conway (NZ) – In-form player
Must-Have Players
- Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) – Wicketkeeper-batsman
- Glenn Phillips (NZ) – All-rounder
- Mitchell Santner (NZ) – Spin all-rounder
Differential Picks (Low Selection but High Impact)
- Saud Shakeel (PAK) – Can anchor the innings
- Abrar Ahmed (PAK) – Mystery spinner
- Tom Latham (NZ) – Left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman
🚀 Pro Tip: If New Zealand bats first, pick more NZ batters in your fantasy team. If Pakistan bowls first, go with more Pakistani bowlers.
Pitch Report & Weather Conditions
The match will be played at the National Stadium, Karachi, which is known for its balanced pitch. Here’s what to expect:
- Batting-friendly surface in the first innings
- Pacers might get early movement with the new ball
- Spinners could play a key role in the middle overs
- Average first-innings score: 270-290
- Weather: Clear skies, no rain expected, with temperatures around 28°C
Toss will play a crucial role, as teams chasing often have an advantage at this venue.
Fantasy Cricket Tips: Key Players to Watch in Pakistan vs New Zealand
Pakistan’s Fantasy Picks
- Babar Azam (Reliable ODI batter, consistent scorer)
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper-batsman, good for points in all formats)
- Shaheen Afridi (Wicket-taker in powerplay overs)
- Salman Ali Agha (All-rounder, valuable with bat and ball)
🔹 Differential Pick: Abrar Ahmed (Leg-spinner who can take key wickets in middle overs)
New Zealand’s Fantasy Picks
- Devon Conway (Top-order anchor, high-scoring potential)
- Kane Williamson (Experienced leader, technical brilliance)
- Daryl Mitchell (Aggressive batter, contributes with the ball)
- Trent Boult (Swing bowler, lethal in opening overs)
🔹 Differential Pick: Tom Latham (Low ownership, but a proven ODI performer)
Match Prediction in Pakistan vs New Zealand : Who Will Win?
Pakistan holds the edge as the defending champions and will have the advantage of playing in home conditions. However, New Zealand is known for its resilience and recently won a tri-series against Pakistan & South Africa.
👉 Winning Chances:
- Pakistan – 55% (Better record at home)
- New Zealand – 45% (Strong batting lineup)
This match is expected to be a close contest, but Pakistan might have a slight upper hand.
Bonus: Giveaway & Contest Details
Fans watching the match can participate in a giveaway by answering questions during the match. Keep an eye out for trivia related to Champions Trophy history, Pakistan vs New Zealand stats, and fantasy cricket strategies.
Final Thoughts
The Champions Trophy 2025 opener promises to be an exciting clash between two competitive teams. Fantasy cricket players should make their teams wisely, keeping in mind pitch conditions, player form, and injury updates. Stay tuned for more updates and expert analysis!
Champions Trophy 2025 India vs Pakistan: In-Depth Analysis, Predictions & Team Comparison
