As ODI cricket fights for relevance in the modern era, global tournaments like the Champions Trophy remind us why this format still holds its charm. Despite being absent from the calendar for years, the Champions Trophy returns, and defending champions Pakistan will open the tournament against a familiar opponent—New Zealand.
New Zealand have played more ODIs in Pakistan than any other visiting team since 2019, and the two sides met just days ago in the final of a tri-series, where New Zealand emerged victorious. This contest promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams known for their brilliance as well as their inconsistencies.
Recent Form
Pakistan: LWLWW
New Zealand: WWWLW
Focus on Babar Azam
Babar Azam has gone 21 ODI innings without a century, a rare stretch for a player of his caliber. While his consistency remains, Pakistan will be hoping for a big score from their star batter, who now finds himself opening the innings.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s spin duo of Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell were highly effective in the tri-series, boasting an economy rate of 4.41. Their ability to control the middle overs could prove crucial.
Team News: Rauf Set to Return
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan confirmed that fast bowler Haris Rauf has recovered from injury and is likely to feature in the XI.
Probable Pakistan XI: 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, meanwhile, will take a late call on Rachin Ravindra’s availability. With Kyle Jamieson arriving late, they will rely on their existing pace attack for this game.
Probable New Zealand XI: 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.
Pitch & Conditions
Karachi has offered mixed results for batters and bowlers. While high scores have been posted, bowlers—especially spinners—have found success. The weather is expected to be warm with no rain interruptions.
Pakistan and New Zealand Set the Stage for Pre-Champions Trophy Tri-Series Clash
Key Stats & Trivia
- Pakistan and New Zealand have met three times in Champions Trophy history, with New Zealand winning all three encounters.
- Both teams have won the tournament once—New Zealand in 2000 and Pakistan in 2017, both beating India in the final.
- Since 2023, Pakistan and New Zealand have faced off 11 times in ODIs, with Pakistan holding a narrow 6-5 lead.
- Shaheen Afridi has taken the most ODI wickets among players in this tournament since the 2023 World Cup.
Quotes
“The senior players have a bit more pressure, and we expect ourselves to perform on the biggest occasions. This is as big as it gets.”
— Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan
“Anytime you’ve played in the conditions you’re about to face, it’s an advantage. We’ve been in Pakistan quite a bit over the last three years.”
— New Zealand’s Tom Latham
Pakistan will look to kick-start their title defense on a winning note, but New Zealand, with recent victories over them, will be determined to maintain their dominance.
