The entire PCB is going through tough luck with two cancellations of the home series in a matter of days. According to cricket news, England withdrew from the Pakistan tour for both men's and women's tours.
England's backing off from the tour leaves the Pakistan Cricket Board in shock. The PCB chairman, Ramiz Raja rages at cricket's 'Western Bloc' and said this decision was quite expecting. The PCB released a video where Ramiz Raja mentioned that ECB's decision is disappointing ut they surely saw it coming. The officials also felt betrayed after witnessing another cancellation within a couple of days. Pakistan toured twice in England, also in New Zealand, and West Indies since the pandemic. And the sudden call off of the series due to Covid bubble fatigue shocks them.
What Ramiz Raja had to say about this cricket news:
Ramiz Raja said, "I am severely disappointed in England's withdrawal but it was expected because this western bloc gets united unfortunately and tries to back each other. So you can take any decision on the basis of security threat and perception. There was a sense of anger because first New Zealand got away without sharing information about the threat they were facing."
He also added, "Now, this was expected but this is a lesson for us because we go out of our way to accommodate and pamper these sides when they visit. And when we go there, we undergo strict quarantines and we tolerate their admonishments, but there is a lesson in this. That is, that from now on we will only go as far as is in our interest. Our interest is that cricket will not stop in our country and if the cricket fraternity will not take care of each other then there's no point to it. New Zealand, then England, now we have a West Indies series that can also be hit, and Australia who is already reconsidering. This - England, Australia, New Zealand - is all one block. Who can we complain to? We thought they were our own but they haven't accepted us as theirs."
Another chapter of this storied rivalry is set to be written today and we are about to witness that! So just relax and enjoy the epic clash as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary of the epic India vs Pakistan match in the ICC CT '25.
Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli have struggled a bit against the spinner and Pakistan can feel if they can get a wicket here, they will be back in the game.
Feb 23, 2025, 2:46 PM
Abrar gets Gill | India 100/2
What a delivery to get the No. 1 ODI batter! He gives Gill a send-off as well.
Gill was completely beaten there as his stumps were rattled.
India 100/2. Gill goes for 46 from 52 balls.
Feb 23, 2025, 2:38 PM
India cross 100 in 17.2 overs
India cross 100 in just 17.2 overs with nearly a run-a-ball ball run rate.
Rohit (20 off 15) gave another quick start and after his dismissal, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli have continued the run flow.
India 64/1 after 10.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:52 PM
Pakistan folds for 241
Harshit to bowl the final over. Khushdil on strike. A couple of dot balls as Khushdil doesn’t want to take the single.
Slower yorker and Khushdil can’t even put bat on ball. Three dot balls to start the final over. OUT! Khushdil is caught at deep midwicket.
PAK 241 all out in 49.4 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:48 PM
Haris Rauf run out
Swung away on the leg-side by Rauf to deep midwicket. He hares for a second and looks like he is run out at the non-striker’s end.
PAK 241/9 in 49 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:46 PM
Another six from Rauf
Banged short and Rauf pulls this over deep square-leg for a maximum.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:45 PM
Khushdil hit six
Shami is greeted with a maximum. Khushdil stays still in his crease and pulls this over deep midwicket for a maximum. Cracking shot.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:41 PM
Harshit replaces Shami
Just five runs from the over.
Haris Rauf the new man in. A single is on offer off the last ball but Khushdil sends Haris back.
PAK 227/8 in 48 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:38 PM
Most catches by an Indian fielder in ODIs
Another record for Virat Kohli.
Kohli now holds the record for most catches by an Indian fielder in ODIs. That was his 157th catch in the format.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:34 PM
Naseem departs
Chipped to long off and Kuldeep Yadav gets his third wicket.
PAK 222/8 in 47 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:29 PM
Shami is back
Seven runs from the over including a leg-bye.
PAK 219/7 in 46 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:25 PM
Kuldeep continues
Just six runs from the over with the help of ones and twos.
Pakistan will at least need another 30 runs off the last five to make a match of this.
PAK 212/7 in 45 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:25 PM
Naseem keeps the strike
He guides the ball to deep third for a single and keeps the strike.
PAK 206/7 in 44 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:22 PM
Harshit comes back
Around the wicket to Khushdil. A single for the left-hander at deep midwicket. FOUR!
Outside edge, past the keeper and a streaky boundary for Naseem.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:19 PM
PAK 200/7 in 43 overs
Naseem Shah comes in and defends the hat-trick ball to deny Kuldeep.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:17 PM
Back-to-back wickets for Kuldeep
Salman is gone. He gets a leading edge after stepping out to heave this on leg-side and Jadeja settles under the ball at cover.
Consecutive wickets for Kuldeep as Shaheen is caught in front of the stumps off the backfoot.
Given by the umpire straightway and Shaheen goes upstairs. That was a horrible review as this is hitting middle of middle stump.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:14 PM
PAK 197/5 in 42 overs
Axar ends with 1/50 in 10 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:14 PM
First six of the innings
First maximum of the innings as Khushdil sweeps this over deep midwicket.
It looked like it went too high off the top edge but it eventually also went the distance.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:10 PM
LBW appeal
Salman gets a top edge on the reverse-sweep and that falls short of the man at short third. LBW appeal as Salman misses a reverse-sweep. Stifled appeal and Rohit goes upstairs.
Salman will survive as this is just kissing leg-stump - umpire’s call goes in Pakistan’s favour.
Five singles from the over. PAK 188/5 in 41 overs
Feb 23, 2025, 12:05 PM
Two more runs for Salman
Two more for Salman with a sweep behind square to end the over.
PAK 183/5 in 40 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:03 PM
Axar into his ninth over
A couple for Salman through fine-leg.
Feb 23, 2025, 12:02 PM
Jadeja continues
Reverse-sweep from Khushdil through cover. Shreyas and Rohit chase and Shreyas dives to keep it down to three.
Rohit looks to be in some discomfort as he clutches his hamstring.
PAK 177/5 in 39 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:59 AM
PAK 170/5 in 38 overs
Just three singles from the over.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:55 AM
PAK 167/5 in 37 overs
Feb 23, 2025, 11:52 AM
Tayyab Tahir is bowled
Good length ball on middle from Jadeja, turns away a touch to beat Tahir’s attempted dab to third-man, and the ball crashes into off-stump.
Khushdil Shah comes in.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:52 AM
Five singles from Axar's over
Five singles from the over as Tahir and Salman get in their groove.
PAK 165/4 in 36 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:47 AM
Hardik takes Shakeel
Shakeel holes out at deep midwicket.
Two wickets in quick succession and Pakistan has lost both its set batters on the cusp of the death overs.
PAK 160/4 in 35 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:45 AM
Boundary from Shakeel
Pulled away to the deep square-leg boundary by Shakeel.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:44 AM
Hardik with the ball
A low full toss and Shakeel misses out on a scoring opportunity, flicking it to mid-on.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:42 AM
Catch dropped again
Shakeel slog sweeps this high in the air and Kuldeep spills the chance at deep midwicket.
That was a very low chance but Kuldeep should have held on to it.
PAK 154/3 in 34 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:38 AM
Axar cleans up Rizwan
Axar bowled out Rizwan. Salman Ali Agha is the next man in.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:38 AM
Catch dropped
Launched very high in the air by Rizwan and Harshit Rana drops it at wide long-on.
PAK 150/2 in 33 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:33 AM
Hardik is back
Slow bouncer and that is too high - called wide.
A cutter outside off stump and it beats Rizwan as he looks to cut it.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:26 AM
Axar continues after the drinks break
Just five runs from the over.
PAK 142/2 in 32 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:22 AM
Fifty for Shakeel
Shakeel backs away very late and Jadeja fires it into off-stump. The batter apologises.
A single to end the over and that’s 50 for Shakeel, off 63 balls.
PAK 137/2 in 31 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:19 AM
Fifth over for Jadeja
FOUR! Scooped behind by Shakeel to the boundary.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:18 AM
Axar is back into the attack
Shakeel misses the reverse-sweep off the last ball of the over.
Another appeal, not given, and Rohit will not review.
PAK 129/2 in 30 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:16 AM
A loud lbw appeal from Jadeja
Five singles and a loud lbw appeal off the last ball.
Umpire doesn’t give it out and Rohit doesn’t take the review.
Definitely missing leg-stump as Shakeel missed the flick on leg-side.
PAK 126/2 in 29 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:12 AM
PAK 121/2 in 28 overs
A quick single by Rizwan, and a direct-hit at the bowler’s end but he has easily made his ground.
Shakeel pulls this to deep square-leg for a couple to end the over.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:08 AM
India looking for wicket
Heaved away by Rizwan and it just falls short of the fielder at midwicket.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:06 AM
Pakistan tries to shift the momentum
Rizwan with a flat-batted sweep and he finds the boundary at deep midwicket. Another sweep next ball and a couple this time for Rizwan.
PAK 116/2 in 27 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:03 AM
100 comes for Pakistan
Shakeel reverse sweeps this to the boundary behind point. Hundred up for Pakistan in 25.3 overs. FOUR! Another boundary to end the over.
PAK 107/2 in 26 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 11:00 AM
Fifty-run partnership for Shakeel and Rizwan
Rizwan sweeps and finally finds the fence towards square leg! Fifty-run partnership off 91 balls.
Five runs came in that over.
PAK 99/2 in 25 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:57 AM
Four singles in 24th over
Rizwan attempts sweeps off the first two balls but can’t connect it well.
Takes a single off the third ball. Direct hit and Rizwan could’ve been in trouble.
But he’s inside the crease, so not out. Four singles in that over.
PAK 94/2 in 24 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:50 AM
Jaddu in action
Shakeel cuts past point but Kuldeep chases the ball well and doesn’t let it cross the rope, three runs. Four came in that over.
PAK 90/2 in 23 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:49 AM
PAK 86/2 in 22 overs
Three singles off the first four balls. Kuldeep hasn’t found his length today.
Shakeel reverse sweeps and takes a quick single.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:47 AM
Kuldeep for his third over
Rizwan sweeps to get a single. Shakeel gives him the strike back off the next ball.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:43 AM
Harshit Rana in action
Harshit Rana to Mohammad Rizwan, 1 run.
Three dot balls on the trot. A single to end the over. A single to end the over.
PAK 82/2 in 21 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:41 AM
Kuldeep is back
Shakeel sweeps but can only get a single. Kuldeep follows it up with three dot balls. Make it four.
A single off the last ball. PAK 79/2 in 20 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:39 AM
Harshit Rana replaces Pandya
Leading edge off Shakeel’s bat but over the cover fielder, just a single.
Three singles in that over.
PAK 77/2 in 19 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:37 AM
PAK 74/2 in 18 overs
India has put on a choke-hold.
PAK 74/2 in 18 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:35 AM
Rohit Sharma is back on the field
Rohit Sharma is back on the field. This will see Shubman Gill returning to the duties of vice-captain.
Axar Patel will continue to bowl from his end.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:28 AM
Pandya is back
Just 2 runs in the over.
PAK 72/2 in 17 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:26 AM
Better over for Pakistan
Better over for Pakistan as Rizwan, Shakeel rotate the strike on three occasions.
PAK 70/2 in 16 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:24 AM
A boundary after 32 balls
Axar Patel to Shakeel, ramps the ball over keeper, smart shot.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:22 AM
Just two singles in Hardik's over
Just two singles in the over.
PAK 63/2 in 15 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:21 AM
Nearly five overs since the last boundary
Nearly five overs since the last boundary was scored. India has been splendid with the ball.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:15 AM
Drinks break
Feb 23, 2025, 10:12 AM
Shami into the attack again
Dot balls are piling up for Pakistan. Just two singles in that over. India has been too good with the ball.
PAK 61/2 in 14 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:12 AM
India need another wicket
India need another wicket here to bowl out Pakistan early. Bangladesh were reeling at 32/5 at one stage but they still went on to breach the 200-run mark.
Another couple of wickets here will give India a chance to dismiss the Men in Green under a score of 200.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:10 AM
Just one run in 13th over
Runs have dried up for Pakistan. It is hot as well in Dubai.
Hardik bowling really well today. Beats Rizwan’s outside off the last ball.
Just one run in the over.
PAK 59/2 in 13 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:04 AM
Good over by Shami
Good over by Shami after receiving medical treatment on his right leg.
Three runs off the over.
PAK 58/2 in 12 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 10:02 AM
Shami is back
Shami is back and his pace seems to be back where it should be.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:59 AM
Three singles in 11 over
India controlling the boundary rate here. Three singles in that over.
PAK 55/2 in 11 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:51 AM
Mohammad Rizwan in at four
Rizwan is off the mark with a four off the first ball. Swept away towards square leg. End of PowerPlay.
PAK 52/2 in 10 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:50 AM
Imam ul Haq is run out
Imam ul Haq is run out trying to steal a quick single. Hit the ball towards mid on and Axar Patel picked the ball and threw directly at the stumps.
Imam was well short of the crease. Imam falls for 10 off 26.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:47 AM
Saud Shakeel in at three
Down the leg and Shakeel tucks it away past keeper for four off the first ball. It is given as leg bye.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:42 AM
Hardik takes Babar
Hardik. Four!! Another boundary for Babar as he leans on to another cover drive. OUT!
Another attempted drive and this time he gets an outside edge straight to keeper. First wicket for India.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:40 AM
Axar Patel into the attack
Imam gets a single off the first ball. Four! Babar comes down the track and goes towards long on.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:40 AM
PAK 30/6 in 7 over
Hardik Starts well, outside off and Babar is happy to leave.
Down the leg wide, eighth wide bowled by Indian bowlers today.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:36 AM
Pandya replaces Shami
Hardik Pandya to Babar Azam, No run.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:34 AM
PAK 26/0 in 6 overs
Another terrific delivery by Harshit and goes very close to the outside edge. He’s bowling well so far, good pace as well. Down the leg wide.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:30 AM
Harshit comes for 6th over
Harshit beats Imam off the first ball.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:26 AM
Pakistan 25/0 in 5 overs
Midway through the first powerplay, as Pakistan are on 25/0 in 5 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:21 AM
Another four from Babar
Babar beautifully played the shot to the cover for another boundary against Rana.
Pakistan 22/0 in 4 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:19 AM
Babar hits his first four!
Babar Azam with a great placement as the ball went through the wide mid-wicket for his first boundary of the game.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:17 AM
PAK 14/0 in 3 overs
Good running between the wickets from Imam and Babar added four runs to the scorecard.
PAK 14/0 in 3 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:15 AM
Back-to-back dots from Shami
Imam Ul-Haq faced two consecutive dots from Shami.
Shami almost trapped Imam with his typical good-length deliveries.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:12 AM
Good over from Harshit Rana
Only four runs from Rana's first over.
Pakistan 10/0 in 2 overs.
Feb 23, 2025, 9:07 AM
Back-to-back wide balls from Shami
Feb 23, 2025, 9:04 AM
Mohammed Shami with the first over
Players are out in the middle. Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq in the middle for Pakistan.
Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Pakistan match preview | Head-to-head stats, Possible XI, match prediction, streaming details
India and Pakistan's matches have always been considered epic clashes in the ICC tournaments. Here is everything you need to know before the India vs Pakistan clash in Champions Trophy 2025.
The Indian cricket team will be aiming to continue their winning momentum when they lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in their second Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 23.
India and Pakistan's matches have always been considered epic clashes in the ICC tournaments. In the last decade, the two teams have not faced much due to strained relations between the two countries.
Here is everything you need to know before the India vs Pakistan clash in Champions Trophy 2025.
Match Details
Match: India vs Pakistan
Tournament: ChampionsTrophy 2025, 5th Match Group A
Date: 23 February 2025
Time: 2:30 PM IST
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Streaming Details
The live telecast of the India vs Pakistan match will be available on the Star Sports network in India.
The live streaming will be available on the JioHostar App and website in India.
India vs Pakistan: Head-to-head stats in Champions Trophy
India have played Pakistan five times in ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan won the first two before India drew level with two wins in the next two occasions.
Pakistan went 3-2 ahead with a win in their last encounter in 2017.
Pakistan are ahead in terms of overall ODI record as well, having won 73 games and losing 57 (NR: 5).
The arch-rivals last met in the 2023 World Cup as India claimed a massive seven-wicket win.
Meanwhile, the two teams have clashed twice in Dubai in ODIs. India prevailed on both occasions.
Cricket's biggest rivalry India vs Pakistan will take center stage when both the neighbours take on each other in Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai on Sunday. Before both teams go at each other to win the bragging rights, here are the India vs Pakistan head-to-head stats in ODI cricket.
Although India have always dominated Pakistan in ICC events, Pakistan have dominated India in overall ODI cricket. From the 1980s and 1990s, Pakistan used to give a strong fight to India in ODI cricket. However, post the start of 2000, India have started getting back to their neighbour with more wins in this format. After the stoppage of bilateral cricket between the countries, they only face each other in ICC events.
India vs Pakistan Head-to-Head stats in ODI cricket
India and Pakistan have faced each other 135 times in ODI cricket so far. India have won 57 times while Pakistan have emerged victorious 73 times. 5 matches have finished without any results.
Total Matches
India Won
Pakistan Won
Abandoned/NR
135
57
73
5
India vs Pakistan head-to-head stats in ICC ODI events
Till now in ICC ODI events in men's cricket India and Pakistan have faced each other 13 times. India have dominated 10 times while Pakistan have won three times.
India have never lost to Pakistan in ICC ODI Cricket World Cups. This means all of those three defeats have come in ICC Champions Trophy only.
India vs Pakistan head-to-head stats in Champions Trophy
Pakistan have dominated India in the Champions Trophy so far. In the five matches they have played against each other in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan have won thrice while India won twice.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 Match Report: Centuries from Latham and Young power NZ to easy win, helped by a slow Babar Azam
Babar Azam played a slow 90-ball 64-run inning as Pakistan fell short of the target by 60 runs. Tom Latham and Will Young scored centuries for New Zealand in the first inning.
Centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young helped New Zealand get an easy 60-run win over Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. New Zealand posted 320 in the first inning while Pakistan were bundled out for 260 during the chase. Here are the highlights of the Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 match.
Pakistan won the toss, and Rauf made a return to the team
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and decided to bowl first, citing the dew factor. Haris Rauf was back in the team after sustaining an injury in the tri-series. for New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra was not fit enough to feature in this match. Will Young replaced him in the playing 11 while Nathan Smith was given a chance to hit the hard lengths with the ball.
Fakhar got injured early
Pakistan suffered an early setback as Fakhar Zaman got injured while chasing a cover drive from Will Young. Kamran Ghulam replaced him right away.
Pakistan struck with quick three wickets
Naseem Shah dismissed Kane Williamson for 1. Image | Associated Press
Just when everything was going well for New Zealand, Abrar Ahmed gave Pakistan the breakthrough they were looking for. Abrar got rid of Devon Conway with a ripper in his second over. The ball pitched on middle and leg stump and opened up Conway to get the ott stump.
In the next over in a rare failure, Kane Williamson departed for one. This time it was Naseem Shah, who opened up Williamson with a brilliant delivery that came in and left enough to kiss the outside edge of the former Kiwi captain.
Haris Rauf then hit the hard length to induce a pull shot from Daryl Mitchell who went after adding 10 off 24 and New Zealand looked in trouble at 73/3 after 16.2 overs.
Young hit his first away international ton. Image | Associated Press
But, Will Young made sure he grabbed this opportunity to score big alongside Tom Latham to bail out New Zealand. Young scored his first ton in Pakistan in 107 balls, which also was his first away international hundred. In the next over, Tom Latham also reached his fifty from 61 balls, to set up a platform to hit the fifth gear.
But, as Young looked to shift up the gears, he was caught in the deep square leg by substitute fielder Ashraf off Naseem Shah on 107. At 191/4 in 38 overs, it was perfect timing for someone like Glenn Philips to come in for New Zealand.
Latham hit his first ODI ton since Nov. 2022
Tom Latham scored his 8th ODI ton. Image | ICC
Latham started changing the tempo as well as he hit 14 off the last four balls from Abrar to spoil his spell. Abrar finished with 47/1 in his 10 overs. He southpaw batter then hit his first ODI ton since November 2022. He reached the landmark in 95 balls to become the fifth Kiwi batter to hit a ton in the Champions Trophy.
Philips gave NZ the push they were looking for. Image | AFP/Getty Images
Pakistan were forced to have only four fielders outside the ring in the last overs, as opposed to the normal five after being penalised for the slow over rate. Glenn Philips and Latham took advantage of that to reach 320 in the first inning. Latham remained unbeaten on 118 from 104 while Philips was dismissed in the third last ball of the inning after a devastating 61 off 39 balls.
New Zealand scored 113 from the last ten overs to challenge Pakistan with a total which looked impossible at first.
Horrible start for Pakistan with the bat
Pakistan started horribly after losing two early wickets. Will O’Rourke showed patience to dismiss Saud Shakeel on 6 from 19 in the fourth over. Glenn Philips then pulled off a stunner at backward point to get Pakistan’s second after a fighting 3 from 14 from captain Mohammad Rizwan.
Fakhar Zaman, who could not bat at his favourite opening position due to staying off-field, tried his best with pain and suffering. Zaman fought hard to score 24 but off 41 balls.
Babar Azan completed his fifty in 81 balls. Image | ICC/Getty Images
Though Babar took his time from the start, Salman Agha assessed the situation well to hit some boundaries to increase the run rate. Meantime, Babar completed his fifty in 81 balls while Agha got dismissed with a short ba by Nathan Smith after playing a brisk 42 off 28 balls.
Santner removed Babar Azam. Image | ICC
Tayyab Tahir (1) came in and was deceived by Mitchell Santner soon. With the asking rate creeping up, Khushdil Shah started smacking the Kiwi spinners and taking the game to them.
Babar tried to do the same but only managed to get a top edge against Santner while trying a sweep after a slow 90-ball 64.
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐳𝐚𝐦'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠? 🤔
Babar Azam scored a 90-ball 64 in a game where Pakistan are chasing 321.
Khushdil Shah scored 69 from 49 balls. Image | ICC
Khushdil completed his fifty in 38 balls but kept losing partners from the other end. After he was dismissed in the 44th over after a fighting 69 from 49 balls, Pakistan were nearly out of the game.
Pakistani tail tried to swing their bats but was finally all-out for 260 and lost the game by 60 runs. With this win, New Zealand achieved a +1.200 NRR, which can be very essential in a tournament like this.
Santner and O’Rourke returned with three wickets for New Zealand.
Tom Latham was adjudged player of the match for his century.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 Match Preview, Head-to-head stats, Possible Lineups and Fantasy team prediction
The hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy and the defending Champions Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the tournament's opening match in Karachi on Wednesday.
Pakistan will be hosting an ICC event for the first time since 1996 and they will face a strong New Zealand in the opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. From head-to-head stats, possible lineups and fantasy team predictions, get everything on the Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 match on our match preview.
Match Details
Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand
Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match No. 1
Date: 19 February 2025
Time: 2.30 pm IST
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
How to watch the match?
Cricket fans from India can watch the opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 live on Star Sports TV Channel in multiple languages. Moreover, they can stream the match live on JioHotstar App and Website with a paid subscription.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Head-to-head in ODIs
Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other 118 times in One-day international games. Pakistan have won in 63 while New Zealand have emerged victorious on 53 occasions. Three games saw no results.
Pitch Report: National Stadium, Karachi
Talking about the pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi, we can certainly guarantee you that there will be runs on offer for the batters. The bowlers, especially the fast bowlers will have to be dead accurate on most occasions to take wickets or be safe.
In the recent tri-series, South Africa posted 352 but Pakistan chased it down with Mohammed Rizwan scoring a ton.
The spinners, on the other hand, have gone for fewer runs of 5.11 runs per over but have taken less wickets as well.
So, we can guess there will be a huge task for the bowlers to get it right at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Team News and Recent Form: Pakistan
The hosts Pakistan are coming off a tri-series against the South African and New Zealand teams, where they lost in the final against the Kiwis in Karachi. The form of their star batter Babar Azam would worry them a bit but Pakistan have always found their ways to do better in ICC events.
In the last two games between these two sides in an ICC event, Pakistan have defeated New Zealand two out of two times.
In the last five ODIs, Pakistan have won three and lost twice. So, you can not say that they are in great form as well.
Haris Rauf will be fit for the opening match of Champions Trophy. Image | Associated Press
However, they will be boosted with the presence of fast bowler Haris Rauf, who did not take any part in the tri-series after getting a side strain in the opening game against New Zealand. He was seen bowling in the nets and as per captain Mohammad Rizwan, he would be fit to feature in the opening game.
NZ won the tri-series beating Pakistan in the final. Image | PCB
No team had played more ODI games in Pakistan than New Zealand since the start of 2019. Not only that just five days before the start of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, they defeated Pakistan in the final to lift the series as well which was played which was played in Karachi.
The combination of Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell has been solid for New Zealand in the middle overs. Both spinners have found a way to keep the run flow intact and also take wickets given the opportunities. Moreover, they both can bat as well, which is always an added advantage.
Rachin Ravindra will be doubtful for the Pakistan vs New Zealand match.
However, the Kiwis will be without their premier fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears along with uncertainty hovering over Rachin Ravindra's presence after getting hit in the eye in the tri-series.
Will Young might open with Devon Conway if Ravindra is not fit enough to play. Kyle Jamieson, the replacement of Lockei Ferguson will also not be available as he is yet to reach Karachi for the match.
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Rachin Ravindra/Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke.
Fantasy team prediction: Pakistan vs New Zealand
Fakhar Zaman, Devon Conway, Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, Mohammad Rizwan, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
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