Get one of the best Dream11 prediction for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener between Pakistan and New Zealand at Nationwide Stadium, Karachi. Discover pitch studies, participant type, and strategic insights to create a profitable fantasy staff.
Pakistan is set to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, marking its first ICC event in 29 years. The Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan side aims to defend its home turf, while New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, looks to continue its recent dominance over Pakistan, having won the last two encounters in the recent tri-series.
New Zealand enters the contest with injury concerns—Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears are ruled out, while Rachin Ravindra’s availability remains uncertain. Pakistan, meanwhile, has a near full-strength squad, with Haris Rauf declared fit for the opening game. With the National Stadium in Karachi known for high-scoring games, expect a contest where batters dominate, but early movement with the new ball can test the top order.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Match Details: ICC Champions Trophy
- Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st Match, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Date & Time: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 2:00 PM Local Time (2:30 PM IST)
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Live Streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
National Stadium Pitch Report & Weather Conditions
- Pitch Type: Flat track, excellent for batting.
- Average First Innings Score: 289 (Since 2023, second-highest after Wankhede, Mumbai)
- Recent Trends: Early swing movement for pacers, but spinners struggle to get purchase.
- Winning Strategy: Teams batting first and chasing have won four times each in the last eight ODIs.
| Factor | Analysis |
|---|---|
| New Ball Movement | More in the first 10 overs, after which batting becomes easier |
| Batting Conditions | High-scoring, especially in the second innings |
| Bowler Assistance | Pacers dominate over spinners |
| Ideal First-Innings Score | 290+ |
Pace vs Spin in Karachi ODIs Since 2023
| Type | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Strike Rate | Economy | 4w/5w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers | 2282 | 2290 | 68 | 33.5 | 6.02 | 1/1 |
| Spinners | 2347 | 2002 | 44 | 53.3 | 5.11 | 2/0 |
Pakistan vs New Zealand Probable Playing XI
Pakistan (PAK) Playing XI:
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- Kamran Ghulam/Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
- Salman Agha
- Tayyab Tahir
- Khushdil Shah/Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
New Zealand (NZ) Playing XI:
- Will Young/Rachin Ravindra
- Devon Conway
- Kane Williamson (C)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (WK)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner
- Matt Henry
- Nathan Smith/Jacob Duffy
- Will O’Rourke
Latest on Cricket
Key Players to Watch Out For: Pakistan vs New Zealand
Pakistan:
- Mohammad Rizwan: 1458 runs in ODIs since 2023, SR of 89.28.
- Haris Rauf: 54 wickets since 2023, strike rate of 26.9.
- Shaheen Afridi: 63 wickets since 2023, BBI of 5/54.
- Salman Agha: 408 runs in 8 Karachi ODIs, SR of 108.8.
New Zealand:
- Kane Williamson: 645 runs in 10 ODIs since 2023, SR of 88.11.
- Michael Bracewell: Has 6 wickets in 4 ODIs in Karachi.
- Matt Henry: 39 wickets since 2023, BBI of 4/19.
- William O’Rourke: Took a four-fer in last ODI vs Pakistan.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Dream11 Fantasy Team Prediction: Dream11 Team Picks:
Wicketkeepers:
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Batters:
- Kane Williamson (C)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- All-rounders:
- Mitchell Santner
- Michael Bracewell
- Salman Ali Agha (VC)
- Bowlers:
- Matt Henry
- William O’Rourke
- Haris Rauf
- Shaheen Afridi
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:
- Captain: Kane Williamson
- Vice-Captain: Salman Ali Agha
- Alternative Choices: Haris Rauf, Mohammad Rizwan
Pakistan vs New Zealand Match Prediction & Winning Tips
New Zealand has the upper hand in terms of recent form and head-to-head dominance, but Pakistan’s familiarity with home conditions makes them formidable.
- If Pakistan bats first: Need 290+ to put New Zealand under pressure.
- If New Zealand bats first: They must navigate Pakistan’s new-ball attack cautiously.
Winning Prediction: Pakistan has a slight edge due to home conditions, but New Zealand’s experience in Karachi makes this a close contest.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Streaming & Score Updates
- Where to Watch? Star Sports Network, JioHotstar.
Editor’s Pick
High Tales
Share article
Observe us on social media
Inform us why didn’t you want our article in order that we are able to enhance on?
ICC Take a look at Rating
ICC ODI Rating
ICC T20I Rating
