Pakistan is set to start their visit to New Zealand with the first T20I to be played at Christchurch on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
The 2025 cricketing calendar is packed with thrilling encounters, and with the much-anticipated return of the ICC Champions Trophy now concluded, attention shifts to bilateral series. This time, Champions Trophy hosts Pakistan will take on runners-up New Zealand in a limited-overs tour. The series comprises five T20Is and three ODIs, commencing at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch with the 1st T20I.
Both teams ended their Champions Trophy campaigns on a disappointing note. New Zealand suffered another heartbreak in the final, while Pakistan, despite being the defending champions and playing at home, failed to reach the semifinals. This underwhelming performance has led to several personnel changes, particularly in the T20I squad. New Zealand will also be without several key players and will be led by Michael Bracewell, who had an impressive Champions Trophy. Retained from that squad are bowlers Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson, while seasoned campaigners James Neesham and Ish Sodhi make their return. With the T20 World Cup 2026 in India on the horizon, many players in this 13-man squad will aim to cement their spots in the national team.
Pakistan, on the other hand, has introduced a new-look team but has retained experienced players like Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed from the Champions Trophy squad. Salman Ali Agha has been entrusted with the T20I captaincy, with Shadab Khan returning as his deputy. Pakistan will also welcome back hard-hitting top-order batter Mohammad Haris, while Usman Khan retains his place. However, the batting lineup features several inexperienced players, and youngsters Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad may make their debuts during the series.
New Zealand, with home advantage, may enter the series as the more confident side, but Pakistan, with fresh faces and a revamped approach, might feel less burdened by the weight of past disappointments. The series promises an exciting contest as both teams look to rebuild and prepare for the future. Who do you think will emerge victorious in the opening clash?