PAK vs NZ Head-to-Head – Champions Trophy 2025: Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off with an electrifying encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium, Karachi, on February 19, 2025, at 2:30 PM IST. This highly anticipated opening match will set the tone for the tournament, with both teams eager to make a strong start.
Pakistan vs New Zealand – Champions Trophy Head-to-Head Stats
In previous Champions Trophy encounters, New Zealand has dominated Pakistan, winning all three matches between the two teams. Let’s take a look at their past clashes:
| Year | Match Stage | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Semi-Final | New Zealand | Won by 4 wickets |
| 2006 | Group Stage | New Zealand | Won by 51 runs |
| 2009 | Group Stage | New Zealand | Won by 5 wickets |
Despite this history, Pakistan enters this match as the defending champions, playing on their home turf, which gives them a strategic edge.
Pakistan vs New Zealand – Recent Form & Key Factors
Pakistan’s Strengths
- Home Advantage – Pakistan is playing on familiar pitches.
- Strong Batting Line-up – Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman lead the charge.
- Pace Attack – Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah can trouble any batting side.
New Zealand’s Strengths
- Recent Success in Pakistan – New Zealand recently won a tri-series in the country.
- Balanced Squad – Led by Mitchell Santner, featuring experienced players like Kane Williamson and Devon Conway.
- Quality Seamers – Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson bring extra pace.
Toss & Match Prediction – Who Has the Edge?
The Karachi pitch is traditionally batting-friendly, but spinners and pacers get assistance in the second innings. Teams winning the toss often prefer to bowl first.
- Pakistan will likely choose to bowl first if they win the toss.
- New Zealand might opt to bat first and set a target.
With a packed stadium and millions watching worldwide, this match is expected to be a thriller. Will Pakistan finally break their losing streak against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy, or will the Black Caps continue their dominance?
Stay tuned for the ultimate cricket battle on February 19, 2025.