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How Important Is Babar Azam to the Pakistan National Cricket Team?

Babar Azam, the No.1 ranked ICC T20I batsman in the world holds the key for Pakistan Cricket's future. Here, we discuss the reason behind it.

Nov 1, 2021, 9:05 PMโ€ข5 min read

The ICC T20 World Cup has begun. There has been a change in venue as the tournament has been shifted to Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The tournament commenced on 17th October and will conclude on the 14th of November. Pakistan captain Babar Azam was confident that his squad is going to defeat their arch-rival India, in their opening T20 World cup clash since they were more familiar with the conditions. And, when they were successful in defeating India, Baba Azam said it was a proud moment for the team.

Read Also: 10 richest cricketers in the world

Almost all cricket punters were betting on India to win the match because of their unbeaten record against Pakistan in World cup matches. Few people won huge money in online cricket betting who put their money on Babar Azam and company. It appears like team Pakistan has a stronghold in the T20 game this year. After the first game, their chances in the tournament look promising as Babar Azam is in the form of his life and well supported by Mohammad Rizwan.

How Important Is Babar Azam to the Pakistan National Cricket Team? - Sportz Point
Rizwan and Babar after the win against India in T20 World Cup. Image - InsideSport

Read Also: T20 World Cup 2021: Mohammad Shahzad becomes the first Afghan player to score 2000 T20I runs

Babar Azam stated that it has been a defining moment for him, as well as the team, after all, they have created history. They were in much need of this win as everyone in their country wanted them to win.

Win and Loss Ratio of Pakistan in T20s Under Babar Azam

With every new management, the team might take some time to adjust. It is not possible to get used to it in a day. The team will take some time to gel. After winning the T20 World Cup trophy in 2009, Pakistan will be hoping to get the T20 title this year under the captaincy of Babar Azam.

Things were different two years ago, but time changes. In the present T20 tournament, there is different management and a different captain. Due to the second wave of the pandemic, the tournament was relocated to the UAE, where India is the official host. Babar is a promising player from Pakistan playing in this tournament.

Read Also: Most Wins in T20 World Cup

Even though many promising players have faded under the spotlight as expectations and spotlight intensified, he has only become stronger. At present, he is one of the biggest names in the cricket world and also a major attraction of the T20 World Cup. He now has the job to lead the team to make sure they are lifting the T20 trophy. He is currently at number 2 in ICC T20 Batsman rankings, only behind Dawid Malan.

Pakistan is performing well in the world of cricket, both individually and as a team. Their consistency and record are proof of that. These days they are playing positive cricket, and Babar believes they need to continue that.

There have been changes in captaincy, and overall, it is common enough not to register in the public consciousness. However, this time Pakistan Cricket Board has made sure to appoint an all-format captain that is different.

Initially, the board was concerned that Babar is a young man, and an overarching responsibility might have an impact on his batting. However, these fears never really came true. Being a test batter, he bounced back against the West Indies. His strike rate has also improved. Babar carries himself as a man of authority belonging to the role. In fact, he has great command over the selection calls off the field.

Babar's Shining Performance

Babar's performance number is glittering. As a matter of fact, he had been the top scorer at the PSL in the last two seasons. He is the highest run-scorer in the history of the competition. Globally, he had been the quickest to score 2000 T20I runs, much ahead of second-placed Virat Kohli.

Now, Babar insists on opening the batting, both for the country and franchise. But questions are arising if his game has the natural belligerence needed to set the tempo in those important powerplay overs. Babar says that he has come number one in the world as the opener and he is comfortable there. Since he has performed well and he is comfortable opening.

Babar Azam: Most Valuable Player in Pakistan Team

Rizwan and Babar's big partnerships are pretty well documented. Babar is in momentum, and it is important that they capitalize on it. His game might be lacking the monstrous power-hitting required for winning the T20 World Cup, but it will be unfair to neglect his pedigree. Babar appears to be playing the old hits, which have helped in getting everyone in the team dancing to his tune. Babar might not have been able to convince the critics yet, but he is indeed a new material that Pakistan can show off. The T20 World Cup might be the ideal arena for him to prove himself and steer his team to victory.

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Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

Indian men's cricket team with seven ICC trophies are the second most successful team in men's cricket history. Australia with ten trophies lead the list of teams with the most ICC trophies.

Mar 10, 2025, 9:42 AMโ€ข7 min read

Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

The International Cricket Council (ICC) conducts different cricket events and tournaments throughout the year. ICC tournaments are the biggest platforms in the game of cricket, where the top teams contest against each other for championship podiums.

Contributing to the team on a big stage like this will always be remembered for a long time. The ODI World Cup is conducted once every four years, whereas the Men's T20 World Cup is played every two years. The ICC Champions Trophy is where only the top 8 teams compete in each finals tournament.

Last but not least, the World Test Championship is played over two years. This article thoroughly talks about the men's cricketing teams that have won ICC trophies at some point in time. Let's take a look at the teams with the most ICC Trophies.

Read Also: Rohit Sharma in ICC knockout games

Australia | 10

Most ICC Trophy wins by any team - Australia - sportzpoint.com

Australia's sheer dominance over other cricketing teams is nothing new. For decades, Australia has been executing out-of-ordinary performances and winning trophies for the country. Out of all the cricketing countries, Australia has the most ICC trophies.

Till now the Aussies won 10 ICC trophies. Australia is the only team to win 6 ICC World Cups. The most successful team in the Cricket World Cup clinched the trophy in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, and 2023. Interestingly Australia made a record of being the only team to win the trophy in all the countries that hosted the World Cup.

Australia won the ICC Champions Trophy twice in 2006 and 2009 against West Indies and New Zealand respectively. Lastly, Australia lifted their first-ever ICC T20 World Cup trophy after defeating New Zealand in the 2021 T20 World Cup. They claimed the ICC World Test Championship after defeating India at the Oval by a huge margin of 209 runs.

Read also: Top 8 Wicket-takers of T20 World Cup 2021

India | 7

Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

India sits in the second position on this prestigious list of most ICC Trophies by any team. India won their first-ever ICC World Cup in 1983 under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. Later again 28 years, the men in blue won the World Cup for the second time under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in 2011.

The Indian men's cricket team also reached the semifinals four times in 1987, 1996, 2015, and 2019. Meantime, they lost in two finals in 2003 and 2023.

The men in blue won the Champions Trophy thrice. First, in 2002, both the finalists India and Sri Lanka were declared the co-champions of the 2002 Champions Trophy. In the 2013 edition, India defeated England by 5 runs and won the Champions Trophy for the second time in Birmingham. Their latest triumph came via Champions Trophy 2025, as they defeated New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai in the final.

Lastly, India won the inaugural edition of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 after defeating Pakistan in Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, India defeated  South Africa by 7 runs to lift the trophy for the second time.

Read also: India's performance in every ICC tournament

West Indies | 5

West Indies 2016 T20 World Cup winners - sportzpoint.com

Read also: T20 World Cup 2021: Man of the Series, highest wicket-taker, and highest run-getter

Next on this list is West Indies with a total of 5 ICC trophies. The first-ever ICC World Cup final was won by West Indies in 1975. West Indies once again continued their reign in the next edition of the World Cup as well, in 1979. The Caribbean team also won the Champions Trophy in 2004. Lastly, West Indies became the winner of the ICC T20 World Cup twice; once against Sri Lanka in 2012 and the other time against England in 2016.

England | 3

England team after winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022.  | Sportz Point
England team after winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022. Image- ICC

Till 2010, the England team has not had any ICC Tournament. But, it was in 2010, when they won their first ICC T20 World Cup against arch-rival Australia. Craig Kieswetter guided them home in the final for their first-ever ICC Trophy. Post that, they have been a phenomenal white-ball team and won two ICC World Cups since then.

In 2019, they won their first ICC Men's ODI World Cup as Ben Stokes made all the difference in the final against England in a match where boundary count helped England to win the World Cup.

England's latest ICC Trophy triumph came under Jos Buttler as they became the first-ever team in Cricket history to hold the ODI and T20 World Cup at the same time. Jos Buttler and company won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 as Sam Curran won the player of the tournament after taking 13 wickets with the ball. Curran also was the player of the match in the final as well.

Pakistan | 3

Most ICC Trophy wins by any team - sportzpoint.com

Pakistan sits in the fourth position on the list of most ICC Trophy wins by any team with 3 ICC trophies. The first-ever ICC trophy won by Pakistan was during the 1992 cricket World Cup. Pakistan defeated England in the final and won by 22 runs.

The next ICC trophy won by Pakistan was in the 2009 T20 World Cup where they beat Sri Lanka in the final and won the title by 8 wickets. The most recent and last ICC win of Pakistan is the 2017 Champions Trophy where they defeated India by 180 runs.

Read also: "No one is more disappointed than me": Hasan Ali after T20 World Cup 2021 exit

Sri Lanka | 3

SportzPoint
Image Credit- ESPNcricinfo.com

Read also: ICC Hall of fame: Shaun Pollock, Mahela Jayawardene and Janette Britti get inducted

With 3 ICC trophies, Sri Lanka sits in 5th position on this list. Sri Lanka won their first-ever ICC World Cup in 1996 where they played against Australia in the final hosted in Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. They went ahead to win their next ICC trophy in the 2002 Champions Trophy. The winner of the tournament is actually both India and Sri Lanka as both the finalist teams were declared as co-champions.

The last time Sri Lanka won an ICC Trophy was when they defeated India in the 2014 T20 World Cup hosted in Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Dhaka.

New Zealand | 2

Sportz Point
Image Credit- ABP LIVE - ABP News

The New Zealand cricket team has won a total of 2 ICC trophies since they started competing in tournaments conducted by ICC. The Kiwis won their first-ever ICC Trophy in the 2000 Champions Trophy. Nairobi hosted the final of New Zealand vs India where New Zealand won the match by 4 wickets.

The next ICC Trophy won by the Kiwis was the ICC World Test Championship. Once again, New Zealand played against India in the final of an ICC event and clinched the trophy in the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship final.

Read also: Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments

South Africa | 1

South Africa till now have won only one ICC trophy - sportzpoint.com

With a team of talented and world-renowned cricketers, South Africa won only one ICC trophy throughout its entire history. In the 1998 ICC Champions Trophy hosted in Bangladesh, South Africa beat West Indies in the final and won the title. Jacques Kallis was exceptional and contributed the most to the team reaching and winning the final and was awarded the player of the tournament. He hit a century and picked up a five-wicket haul as well.

Note: The stats include shared trophies. The article was first written by Shreya Ghosh and then got edited by Abishek Goswami.

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Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

India won their first 50-over ICC title in 12 years as they won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Blue won their third ICC Champions Trophy title, and went past Australiaโ€™s tally of two. Here are the past winners of the last 10 ICC tournaments.

Mar 10, 2025, 9:21 AMโ€ข6 min read

Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

Indian men's cricket team finally won their first 50-over ICC title in 12 years as they defeated New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final by four wickets in Dubai. Here are the past winners of the last 10 ICC tournaments.

Read also: Every inaugural ICC tournament winners

1. T20 World Cup- West Indies (2016)

Remember the game: the last six balls of the 2016 T20 World Cup relived

Eden Gardens, Kolkata hosted the 2016 T20 World Cup on 3rd April between England and West Indies. West Indies defeated their opponent by 4 wickets and won the final with 2 balls remaining. Carols Braithwaite with four sixes in four balls to Ben Stokes became an overnight hero for the West Indies team. Marlon Samuels scored 85* off 66 balls and became the Man of the Match.

Read also: Virat Kohli records as captain in white ball Cricket

2. Champions Trophy- Pakistan (2017)

Most ICC Trophy wins by any team - sportzpoint.com

The Oval, London hosted one of the biggest cricket rivalries on 18 June 2017. The match was the 2017 Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan. Pakistan sent the Indian squad back to the pavilion in less than 31 overs and won the final by 180 runs. Fakhar Zaman won the man of the match award.

Read also: 5 Youngest Captains to lift the ICC Cricket World Cup

3. ICC World Cup- England (2019)

ICC World Cup 2019 - England - sportzpoint.com

The night of 14th July 2019 has to be one of the most interesting and different in cricket history. Both England and New Zealand scored the same during their innings and also in the super-over. The result of the match was decided in an interesting method; the team with the superior number of boundaries was the winner. Hence, England won the tournament.

Read also: WTC Final: ICC Event winners since 2000

4. World Test Championship- New Zealand (2021)

Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments - WTC 2021 - New Zealand - sportzpoint.com

Winning the World Test Championship has to be New Zealand's biggest victory in cricket history. Southampton hosted the final from 18 June to 23rd June 2021. Kane Williamson led the team to victory and the final test match by 8 wickets. With bowling figures of 5/31, 21 & 2/30, Kyle Jamieson was the Man of the match in the final.

Read also: T20 World Cup 2021: Man of the Series, highest wicket-taker, and highest run-getter

5. T20 World Cup- Australia (2021)

Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments - sportzpoint.com

Australia once again proved its dominance and worth on the night of the 2021 T20 World Cup final. The entire Australian team contributed their best and clinched the trophy last night to beat New Zealand by 8 wickets. David Warner chose the best platform to prove himself after a humiliating IPL season. Mitchell Marsh scored an unbelievable knock of 77* in 50 balls and won the Man of the Match award.

6. T20 World Cup - England (2022)

England won the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 - sportzpoint.com

England won their third ICC trophy as they clinched the T20 World Cup 2022 title after beating Pakistan in the final by five wickets. Sam Curran was adjudged the player of the tournament for his 13 wickets in the tournament. Curran was also the player of the final as his 3/22 helped England restrict Pakistan to 137 in the first inning. This was England's second T20 World Cup title.

7. World Test Championship - Australia (2023)

World Test Championship 2023 - sportzpoint.com

India again failed to win any ICC trophy since 2013 as Pat Cummins-led Australia defeated India by 209 runs. Australia scored a massive 469 in the first inning as Steve Smith and Travis Head scored tons for the Aussies. The first-inning score proved to be too much for India as they scored only 296 in the reply and Australia put more pressure with 270 in the second inning.

Despite starts for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, India failed to get close to the score and eventually suffered the defeat. 

With this win, Josh Hazlewood, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc became the only players to win all ICC Trophies. 

8. ICC World Cup - Australia (2023)

Two-time ODI World Cup winners - Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, David Warner, and Mitchell Marsh - strike a pose with the trophy, India vs Australia, Men's ODI World Cup final, Ahmedabad, November 19, 2023 - sportzpoint.com
Two-time ODI World Cup winners.

Pat Cummins and Australia's dream run continued as they won the ICC Men's World Cup for a record sixth time in 2023 defeating India, again. In one of the most visited and watched World Cup finals in Ahmedabad, Australia defeated India by six wickets.

Despite a great start with the bat, India lost captain Rohit Sharma and post that kept on losing wickets. They could only score 240 in the first inning and though Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami tried their level best, Travis Head's excellent ton (137) took Australia over the line. Head was player of the match in back-to-back ICC Finals. 

Read Also: India's Finals at ICC Men's Tournaments Since 2013 

9. T20 World Cup - India (2024)

India's performances in every T20 World Cup - India won the T20 World Cup 2024 - sportzpoint.com

India finally broke their jinx of ICC finals after beating South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados. They clinched their second T20 World Cup title as Rohit Sharma's men defeated the Proteas team by seven runs in the final.

Read Also: Every Player of the Tournament winners in T20 World Cup History

Virat Kohli (76) and Axar Patel (47) played some solid knocks to take India to the highest total (176) in a T20 World Cup final. Though South Africa were cruising for an easy win, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Arhsdeep Singh managed to pull things back for India with the ball. Virat Kohli was adjudged the player of the final and Jasprit Bumrah was named the Player of the tournament for his 15 wickets in the tournament. 

10. Champions Trophy - India (2025)

Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

India made it back-to-back global cricket tournaments with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai.

Chasing 252 against the Blackcaps, India reached home in 49 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The spinners put up a splendid show, helping India restrict the Blakcaps for 251 for 7 after the side latter team won the toss and opted to bat first. 

Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2 for 45) picked two wickets apiece while Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami scalped one wicket each. Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53) played crucial knocks for the Blackcaps. 

In the chase, India got off to a flying start, thanks to Rohit Sharma's dominating 76. Shreyas Iyer (48) and KL Rahul (34 not out) also played crucial knocks as India edged past New Zealand to win the Champions Trophy for the third time.

This was Indiaโ€™s second consecutive ICC title win - it had won the T20 World Cup crown in June last year. India has now won two ODI World Cups, two T20 World Cups and three Champions Trophy titles.

Note: The article was first written by Shreya Ghosh and then got updated by Koushik Biswas.

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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.

Feb 19, 2025, 5:30 PMโ€ข6 min read

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 | sportzpoint.com

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 removed Kane Williamson early, Pakistan vs New Zealand, ICC Men's Champions Trophy, Karachi, February 19, 2025
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.

Read Also | India vs Pakistan in ICC tournament results

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 | sportzpoint.com
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

Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 Match Report: Tom Latham hits his 8th ODI ton | sportzpoint.com
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. 

Glenn Philips hits a devastating 61 from 39 balls

Glenn Philips hits a devastating 61 from 39 balls | sportzpoint.com
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 Oโ€™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 Pakistanโ€™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 Azam scored a slow 90-ball 64 against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener | sportzpoint.com
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. 

Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 Match Report: Mitchell Santner removed Babar Azam | sportzpoint.com
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. 

Fightback from Khushil Shah

Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 Match Report: Khushdil Shah scored 69 off 49 | sportzpoint.com
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 Oโ€™Rourke returned with three wickets for New Zealand. 

Tom Latham was adjudged player of the match for his century.

Match Summary

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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.

Feb 19, 2025, 4:40 AMโ€ข4 min read

Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 Match Preview, Head-to-head stats, Possible Lineups and Fantasy team prediction | sportzpoint.com

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

Team News and Recent Form: Pakistan | sportzpoint.com

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.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 Match Preview, Head-to-head stats, Possible Lineups and Fantasy team prediction | sportzpoint.com
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. 

Read Also | India vs Pakistan in ICC tournament results

Team News and Recent Form: New Zealand

Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 Match Preview, Head-to-head stats, Possible Lineups and Fantasy team prediction | sportzpoint.co,
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. | sportzpoint.com
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. 

Read Also | Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team

Possible Lineups

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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Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team

8 teams are participating in the Champions Trophy 2025, which are divided into 2 groups. India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh have been placed in Group A. Whereas Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan have been kept in Group B.

Feb 12, 2025, 12:17 PMโ€ข4 min read

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team | Sportz Point

Teams of 7 countries have announced their squads for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025. ICC had demanded squads from all the teams by January 12 only.

India has recently announced their squad in which Rohit Sharma will command the team and Shubman Gill will do the vice captaincy.

Also Read: ICC Menโ€™s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

Champion Trophy 2025: Groups

A total of 8 teams are participating in the Champions Trophy 2025. The teams are divided into 2 groups.

India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh have been placed in Group A. Whereas Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan have been kept in Group B.

Group A

  • India
  • Bangladesh
  • New Zealand
  • Pakistan

Group B

  • Afghanistan
  • England
  • Australia
  • South Africa

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads

Group A

India:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 India squad

Bangladesh:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Bangladesh | sportzpoint.com

Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana

New Zealand:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - New Zealand | Sportz Point

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will Oโ€™Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Pakistan:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Sportzpoint.com

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Group B

Afghanistan:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran

Reserves:

Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami

England:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - England | Sportz Point

Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

Australia:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Australia | Sportz Point

Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

South Africa:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Sportzpoint.com

Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

Read Also |  ICC Menโ€™s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

Champion Trophy 2025: Schedule 

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, with host Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi.

Date Match Group/Stage Time (Local) Venue
February 19, Wed Pakistan vs New Zealand Group A 2:30 pm National Stadium, Karachi
February 20, Thu India vs Bangladesh Group A 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
February 21, Fri Afghanistan vs South Africa Group B 2:30 pm National Stadium, Karachi
February 22, Sat Australia vs England Group B 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
February 23, Sun India vs Pakistan Group A 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
February 24, Mon Bangladesh vs New Zealand Group A 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
February 25, Tue Australia vs South Africa Group B 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
February 26, Wed Afghanistan vs England Group B 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
February 27, Thu Pakistan vs Bangladesh Group A 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
February 28, Fri Australia vs Afghanistan Group B 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
March 1, Sat England vs South Africa Group B 2:30 pm National Stadium, Karachi
March 2, Sun India vs New Zealand Group A 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
March 4, Tue Semi-final 1 Knockout 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
March 5, Wed Semi-final 2 Knockout 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
March 9, Sun Final Final 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore/Dubai Int. Stadium

 

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