Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan vs New Zealand Prediction and Betting Tips
The highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off on 19 February with the Pakistan vs New Zealand clash match no. 1 at National Stadium, Karachi. The host recently faced Kiwis in the Tri-Nation series and lost both classes but is eager to start well in the CT 2025. Pakistan features players like Babar Azam, Mohmmad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah. On the other hand, in-form New Zealand has names like Kane Williamson, Will Young, Mitchell Santner, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, and Michael Bracewell. Check out the Pakistan vs New Zealand prediction and betting tips.
PAK vs NZ prediction: New Zealand to win
Key Stats
- Pakistan won 3 out of their last 5 ODIs.
- New Zealand is on a 3-match winning streak.
- Zealand defeated Pakistan in their last encounter by 5 wickets.
Match Prediction: The opening game of the Champions Trophy 2025 is set to be an exciting contest. The home team, Pakistan, will definitely have a home advantage and crowd support, but based on the recent form and head-to-head marking, New Zealand is expected to win this match. They have solid batting and bowling lineups. The all-rounders of the team add more power.
Most Recent H2H and Pitch Report
| Winner | Won by | Date |
| New Zealand | 5 wickets | 14 Feb 2025 |
| New Zealand | 78 runs | 08 Feb 2025 |
| Pakistan | 21 runs (DLS method) | 04 Nov 2023 |
| New Zealand | 47 runs | 07 May 2023 |
| Pakistan | 102 runs | 05 May 2023 |
Pitch Report
The 1st match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan vs New Zealand is set to be played at National Stadium, Karachi. The pitch here is often a good surface for batting. In a total of 54 ODI matches played at this venue, the batting first team won 26 while the chasing team emerged victorious 28 times.
Also Read | Pakistan vs West Indies 2nd Test Prediction and Betting Tips
Results of the last two matches played at National Stadium, Karachi
Pakistan vs New Zealand (Feb 14, 2025) – New Zealand won by 5 wicket
| Pakistan | 242/10 |
| New Zealand | 243/5 |
South Africa vs Pakistan (Feb 12, 2025) – Pakistan won by 6 wickets
| South Africa | 352/5 |
| Pakistan | 355/4 |
Pakistan preview
Pakistan led by wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan recently lost the Tri-Series final to New Zealand. However, they have a good batting lineup with players like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Kamran Ghulam but they lack experience in the middle and lower middle order. The bowling department has pacers like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.
Predicted XI: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand preview
New Zealand led by Mitchell Santner features a good squad with players like Kane Williamson, Devon Convey, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips. The batting lineup of the team is well-balanced, supported by a decent bowling unit. The two spin-bowling all-rounders Santner and Bracewell will be critical in these conditions. The recent form of the team is amazing, they recently won the Tri-Nation series by defeating Pakistan in the finals.
Predicted XI: Will Young, Devon Convey, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke
Also Read | IPL 2025 Schedule, Start Date, and More Details
Player to watch: Mitchell Santner
Mitchell Santner is the captain of New Zealand. The 33-year-old is known for his all-round ability. He has performed amazingly in the Tri-Nation Series and brings a lot of experience. His current form and ability to turn the game in both batting and bowling makes him a player to watch in this match.
Md. Rizwan collide with Harshit Rana .
And Harhit dont control his emotion and that we want .Recreate Gambhir-Afridi Moment
#INDvsPAK #ChampionTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/5pRDBliPuX
— Bowler 🆚 Batsman (@ICT__buzz) February 23, 2025
