The first match of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to start today at 2:00 PM local times at Karachi. The win probability calculator favors Pakistan with 56% despite recent defeats by New Zealand.
New Zealand in the recently concluded Tri-Nation Series was unbeaten and defeated Pakistan in two matches.
The wait is finally over! After an eight-year hiatus, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin, and Pakistan will play host to the highly anticipated tournament.
Cricket fans across the nation are thrilled as the event returns to Pakistan, marking the country’s first time hosting an ICC tournament since 1996. The opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand will take place today at 2:00 PM local time at the National Stadium, Karachi.
Despite New Zealand’s dominant performance in the recently concluded Tri-Nation Series, where they remained unbeaten and twice defeated Pakistan, the win probability calculator still favors Pakistan with a 56% chance of victory. This optimism stems from Pakistan’s strong performances in home conditions and their status as the defending champions.
Champions Trophy 2025: The Grand Stage
This year’s tournament will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Dubai, with matches being played across four venues—Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. The final venue is yet to be decided. Dubai will host India’s group-stage matches, adding another layer of excitement to the global spectacle. With eight elite teams competing, the Champions Trophy will serve as a perfect prelude to the next Cricket World Cup.
Pakistan’s Squad and Key Players
The home team will look to make a statement in the opening match. With Saim Ayub ruled out due to injury, Babar Azam is expected to open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman. The middle order will be led by Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, while Salman Agha will add depth to the batting lineup. Rizwan and Salman remain two of Pakistan’s most consistent middle-order batters, proven by their record-breaking partnership against South Africa.
The biggest concern for Pakistan is Babar Azam’s form, as the star batter has only two fifty-plus scores in his last ten innings. However, the bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, will look to regain its lethal edge. The spin department, however, remains thin, relying heavily on Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand’s Challenge
Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand arrives with strong experience in Pakistani conditions, having played 11 ODIs in Pakistan since 2019. However, injuries to Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears have forced them to make last-minute changes, with Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, and Nathan Smith stepping in to bolster the pace attack. The spin department, featuring Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips, could prove crucial.
With New Zealand maintaining a 3-0 record against Pakistan in past Champions Trophy encounters and a solid track record in Karachi, the battle is set to be an intense one. Can the Kiwis continue their dominance, or will Pakistan flex its home advantage? The curtain-raiser promises a thrilling contest.