The Pakistan opener Mohammad Rizwan gifted his no. 16 jersey to the Indian doctor who treated him a day before the big semi-final of Pakistan vs Australia. The signed jersey was his way of showing his gratefulness and thanking the doctor for the support and care.

Read also: Virat Kohli will soon retire from T20Is, says, former Pakistani cricketer

Mohammad Rizwan, unfortunately, was suffering from chest pain and was in the ICU for a few days prior to the T20 world cup semi-final match. Dr. Saheer Sainalabdeen, a specialist pulmonologist at Medeor Hospital in Dubai treated Rizwan and brought him back to good health and strength.

According to PTI, Rizwan told the doctors in the ICU, "Mujhe Khelna he. Team ke saath rehna he, (I want to play and be with the team)."

Dr. Saheer and his team were surprised to see Rizwan's positivity and determination:

He said, "Rizwan had a strong desire to play for his nation in the crucial knockout. He was strong, determined, and confident. I am astonished at the pace he had recovered."

Read also: Australia's tour of Pakistan: Full schedule and fixture

He also further stated, "Rizwan had a severe infection. Recovery and gaining fitness before the semifinal seemed unrealistic. It would have normally taken 5-7 days for anybody to recover. Rizwan was firm, courageous, and confident. His physical fitness and endurance level as a sportsman had been key in his recovery. He had been in the ICU for 35 hours."

Rizwan was the highest run-scorer among the Pakistan team in the semi-final match against Australia. He hit 67 scores and gave a huge push to the team. Sadly, Pakistan lost the match but everyone will remember his effort and dedication to the sport forever.

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.

Also Read: India vs Pakistan in ICC tournament results

Here is everything you need to know before the India vs Pakistan clash in Champions Trophy 2025. 

Match Details 

• Match: India vs Pakistan 
• Tournament: Champions Trophy 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.

Read Also | India vs Pakistan head-to-head stats in ODI cricket: Who leads in ODI cricket?

Pitch Report: Dubai International Cricket Stadium 

The pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to be slow.

The same was witnessed in India's opener against Bangladesh as the Tigers were bowled out for 228.

Rohit Sharma's men then comfortably chased down the target.

Team News: India

Under Rohit Sharma, India hopes to add another Champions Trophy title to their 2002 and 2013 victories.

The team dominated Bangladesh in their opening match and pulled off a win, courtesy of Shubman Gill's century and Moahmmed Shami's fifer.

Also Read: Virat Kohli stats in ICC Tournaments

Team News: Pakistan 

Meanwhile, Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat against the Kiwis in the tournament opener.

Key players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are expected to play crucial roles in Sunday's match against India.

However, Pakistan's opening batter, Fakhar Zaman, has been ruled out of the tournament with an injury.

Imam-ul-Haq has been approved by the ICC as the opener's replacement. The latter is expected to open alongside Babar Azam in the upcoming game.

Possible Lineups

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana.

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

Fantasy team prediction: India vs Pakistan 

KL Rahul, Mohammad Rizwan, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Salman Agha, Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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

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. 

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

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. 

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 📑

Today, Will Young and Tom Latham became only the 4th and 5th New Zealand 🇳🇿 batters respectively to score a Champions Trophy ton! 💯#ChampionsTrophy2025 #PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/fzaiss364c

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) February 19, 2025

Glenn Philips hits a devastating 61 from 39 balls

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

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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. 

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. 

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.

The Pakistani opener had a strike-rate of 71.11! #PakvsNz #BabarAzam #PakistanCricket #ChampionsTrophy2025 #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/7JUYdNknuJ

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) February 19, 2025

Fightback from Khushil Shah

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.

Match Summary

𝐍𝐙 🇳🇿 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 🇵🇰

Pakistan were bundled out for 260 while chasing 321 in the second inning. #PakvsNz #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/p4B45lMBvh

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) February 19, 2025

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.

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

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.

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.

Its almost the end of 2024 and the entire world is set to welcome another new year. Every year, the cricket world unlocked some incredible memories. By some outstanding knocks, some of the batters made the particular year unforgettable. Across the formats, they nailed the game with their batting brilliance.

Also Read: Most Test runs in 2024: Root, Jaiswal, Duckett and more

The Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis shattered all the records and become the highest run scorer of 2024 across the formats. In this article, we will take a look at the other batters who have the most international runs in each calendar year since 2010.

Most international runs in each calendar year

2024 - Kusal Mendis | 1860 Runs

In 2024, the Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis scored the most international runs and become the highest run scorer of 2024 across the formats. In 48 matches, he scored 1860 runs with 2 centuries and 11 half centuries.

Kusal's standout performance came against New Zealand, where he hammered a brilliant 143 in an ODI and recorded his highest score in this format. With a solid batting average of 37.20, he dominated in 2024.

2023 - Shubman Gill | 2154 Runs

Shubman Gill had an incredible year in 2023, during which he finished the highest run getter across formats with 2154 runs, including 7 centuries. He also slammed the most centuries by an Indian in this decade (12), more than Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Gill has become an integral part of Indian cricket team in the past couple of years. The 25-year-old has also been elevated to a leadership role in white-ball cricket as he was named the vice captain of limited overs format after India's T20 World Cup triumph.

2022 - Babar Azam | 2598 Runs

In 2022, Babar Azam became the Pakistan batter with the most runs in all formats of the game in a calendar year. Babar scored 2598 runs in 44 matches at an average of 54.12 in that year. His haul of eight hundreds and 17 fifties during the calendar year was Babar's best of his career to date.

Babar broke more individual records in that year and ensured Pakistan's star continued to shine brightly. He was the only player to breach the 2000-run mark during the calendar year. 

2021 - Mohammad Rizwan | 1915 Runs

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan had a stunning year in 2021 with 1915 runs in 44 internationals at an average of 56.32 with two centuries. Rizwan ruled the roost in 2021 when it came to the shortest format of the game. Aggregating a staggering 1326 runs in only 29 matches, Rizwan struck at an average of 73.66 and a strike-rate of 134.89.

Apart from his exploits with the bat, he was as solid as ever behind the stumps, playing a key role in Pakistan's run to the semifinals during the T20 World Cup 2021.

2020 - Aaron Finch | 944 Runs

Former Australian limited over captain Aaron Finch scored the most international runs in 2020. He smashed 944 runs in 21 innings at an average of 47.20. He recorded 2 centuries and 6 half centuries to his name. He also scored 99 fours and 21 sixes this year.

2019 - Virat Kohli | 2455 Runs

Virat Kohli finished 2019 on a high, finishing as the leading run-getter across all formats in the year with 2,455 runs with seven centuries, including his career-high Test score of 254 not out. Kohli scored 1,377 runs in 26 ODIs, 612 runs in eight Tests and 466 runs in 10 T20Is in 2019.

2018 - Virat Kohli | 2735 Runs

Virat Kohli once again dominated a year in international cricket as a batsman. Kohli ended the year 2018 as the number-one ranked batsman in international cricket for the second-time running but more importantly, it was his team which consolidated its position at the top of the team rankings in Test cricket.

Kohli scored 2735 runs across all formats in the year with 11 hundreds but he also became the first Asian captain to register Test wins in Australia, England and South Africa in the same calendar year.

2017 - Virat Kohli | 2818 Runs

Virat Kohli finished 2017 with a staggering 2818 international runs across international formats. The India captain scored 1059 runs in 10 Tests, 1460 runs in 26 ODIs and 299 runs in 10 T20 Internationals. Kohli hammered 11 hundreds including three double centuries (one vs Bangladesh and two vs Sri Lanka). 

2016 - Virat Kohli | 2595 Runs

The year 2016 is often regarded as one of the best years for Virat Kohli due to his exceptional performances across all formats of cricket. He treated himself to 2,595 runs in 41 international innings that year to go along with 973 runs in the Indian Premier League.

Apart from that, he lead the Indian Test team to series wins against West Indies, New Zealand and England and he single-handedly powered Royal Challengers Bangalore to the final of the IPL this year.

2015 - Kane Williamson | 2692 Runs

Former New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson had a prolific year in 2015. The Kiwi scored 2,692 runs averaging over 65. In 8 Tests, that year, he finished with 1,172 runs at an average of 90 with 5 centuries to his name.

Williamson also helped the Kiwis to reach the World Cup finals and amassed over 1,000 runs in ODIs as well.

2014 - Kumar Sangakkara | 2868 Runs

Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara tops the charts when it comes to most runs scored in a calendar year. In 48 matches, Sangakkara scored 2,868 runs at an average of over 50.

Sangakkara made 1438 runs in 21 innings in the longest format at an average of 71.90 with the help of four centuries and eight half-centuries. Playing 28 ODIs that year, he slammed 1256 runs at an average of 46.51, again, the highest in his individual career.

2013 - AB de Villiers | 2181 Runs

Former South African skipper, AB de Villiers is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport and the best batsman of his era. He had a stellar year in 2013. AB scored 2,181 runs averaging 54.52 in 45 innings of 43 matches. He also smashed seven centuries and 12 half-centuries.

2012 - Michael Clarke | 2251 Runs

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke finished 2012 with a staggering 2251 international runs across international formats in 32 innings of 26 matches at an average of 77.62. Clarke hammered 6 hundreds and 8 half-centuries.

Clarke also became the first man to score four Test double-hundreds in a calendar year as his side dominated South Africa on day one of the second Test in Adelaide.

2011 - Kumar Sangakkara | 2267 Runs

In 2011, no one else came close to the 2,267 runs Kumar Sangakkara scored in all international cricket, and he is now the only man to have topped 1,000 runs in Tests and one-day internationals in a single year on three separate occasions. 

2010 - Hashim Amla | 2307 Runs

Former South African cricketer, Hashim Amla had a prolific year in 2010. He scored 2,307 runs in that year. He also recorded his first Test double century against India in this year.

Kamran Ghulam, the replacement of Babar Azam in the team, has scored a steady half-century in 104 balls, raising questions about Azam's future in the test team.

Having replaced former captain Babar Azam after a crushing defeat in the first Test against England, Ghulam walked onto the Multan pitch with immense pressure on his shoulders. When Pakistan looked on the verge of crumbling, he stood calm.

However, his celebratory flying kiss towards the dugout, making Mohammad Rizwan laugh, became the talk of the town. 

Babar Azam's replacement Kamran Ghulam gave flying kiss to Babar Azam after scoring fifty on Test debut 😂 🔔 Rizwan laughing 🤣#PAKvsENG pic.twitter.com/CATGrTvysv

— Atmaram Tukaram Bhide (@BakchodBhide) October 15, 2024

Who Is Kamran Ghulam? The Man Behind the Flying Kiss

Kamran Ghulam, born on October 10, hails from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and made his first-class debut at just 17. His domestic career had enough volumes to give him his deserving seat in the national side. A prolific batter with over 4377 runs in 59 matches, averaging 49.17, however, had to wait patiently for his chance.

He represented Pakistan at the U19 World Cup in 2014 and made his international debut in an ODI against New Zealand last year. However, he did not get his chance to bat or ball in the match.

A Ravindra Jadeja fan, Ghulam stepped calmly in the trembling ship of Pakistan. His century was mostly formulated by targeting the spinners.

Babar Azam’s Exclusion: Sponsors in Search of Big Face

Babar Azam, the former captain, not being selected can look unexpected but not surprising. Let alone his face and brand value, his recent form wasn't doing enough to keep him in the playing 11.

Despite being hailed as Pakistan’s best batter by captain Shan Masood and coach Jason Gillespie, the selection committee, headed by Mohsin Naqvi, recommended Babar’s exclusion following his prolonged form slump.

Babar, since December 2022, has not even scored a single half century in international cricket. Not only that, but the early exit of Pakistan from the 2023 ODI World Cup had brought his captaincy under scrutiny.

Read Also: Babar Azam Resigns as Pakistan's White-Ball Captain for the second time 

No.of Fifties by Babar Azam in last 2 years - 0

No.of Fifties by Kamran Ghulam in just 1 match - 1 pic.twitter.com/7jRuR4o4A8

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) October 15, 2024

Gillespie had stressed the need for consistency in team selection, but Babar probably got the instruction wrong. A consistently inconsistent Babar Azam scored 35 runs across two innings in the first Test against England.

Babar Azam career ends here

Replacement of Babar Azam score half century on used pitch.#PAKvsENG pic.twitter.com/GW6mZ18lhr

— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) October 15, 2024

Kamran Ghulam was brought in, not just as a replacement but as a fresh face to revive Pakistan’s batting fortunes.

But sponsors here will now have problems. Babar Azam, performing or not performing, has been the dead face for endorsements. With Babar Azam sidelined, it is a new tension for them, a new problem for them to solve.