Pakistan vs New Zealand: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is back after 8 years and set to kickstart with a blockbuster clash between the defending champions Pakistan and the second edition winners (in 2000) New Zealand on February 19 (Wednesday) at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Both teams have played two matches against each other in the recently concluded ODI tri-series that featured South Africa as well. However, the Kiwis dominated the hosts in both games and triumphed in the tri-series. Once again, the two competitive teams are set for an intriguing battle in the tournament’s ninth season.
As New Zealand aims for another victory, Pakistan on the other side will be keen to make a comeback to recover from their recent losses.
With both sides gearing up to have a positive start to the tournament’s opener, it’s time to get deeper into the predictions. This preview highlights the weather forecast and pitch conditions, expected playing XI combination, and head-to-head stats of PAK vs NZ that help you predict the winner of the opening clash of the CT 2025 and plan your wagering activities accordingly.
Let’s start the discussion by knowing essential details such as the schedule, venue, live-streaming, and television coverage.
PAK vs NZ CT 2025 Group A Match Info
| Date | February 19 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Match Number | ODI no. 4843 |
| Game Format | 50 Overs Per Inning |
| Stage | Group Stages (Group A) |
| Timings | 02 pm Local (PKT) |
| 10 pm NZST | |
| 02:30 pm IST | |
| 09 am GMT | |
| Venue | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Seating Capacity | 34,238 |
| Playing Session (Local Timings) | Toss: 01:30 pm PKT |
| First Session: 02 pm TO 05:30 pm PKT | |
| Session Break: 05:30 pm to 06:10 pm PKT | |
| Second Session: 06:10 pm to 09:40 pm PKT |
Where to watch the PAK vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025 Season Opener? Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
Viewers residing in Pakistan, New Zealand, and India can watch the live match of the Champions Trophy 2025 season opener through the below options:
| Country | Live Streaming | Television Coverage |
| PAKISTAN | Myco and Tamasha app | PTV and Ten Sports |
| NEW ZEALAND | Now and SkyGo app | Sky Sport NZ |
| INDIA | JioHotstar App and its official website | Star Sports and Sports 18 Network |
Pakistan vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Stats: ODIs and Champions Trophy
Although Pakistan holds an upper hand in ODIs, New Zealand has maintained its domination in the Champions Trophy so far and the head-to-head stats are tabulated below in detail:
ODIs:
| Total ODI Matches Played | 118 |
| Matches Won by Pakistan | 61 |
| Matches Won by New Zealand | 53 |
| Tied Games | 1 |
| No Result Games | 3 |
| Matches Won at Home Venues | Pakistan: 22, and New Zealand: 31 |
| Matches Won Away | Pakistan: 15, and New Zealand: 8 |
| Winnings at Neutral Venue | Pakistan: 24, and New Zealand: 14 |
| Matches Won at the National Stadium in Karachi | Pakistan: 4, and New Zealand: 5 |
| ODI Matches Won in 2025 (PAK vs NZ) | Pakistan: 0, and New Zealand: 2 |
| Highest Total (PAK vs NZ in ODIs) | New Zealand: 401/6 in 50 overs in Bengaluru (4th November 2023) |
| Lowest Total (PAK vs NZ in ODIs) | New Zealand: 64 all-out in 35.5 overs in Sharjah (15th April 1986) |
Champions Trophy:
| Total ODI Matches Played in CT | 3 (in 2000, 2006, and 2009 editions) |
| Matches Won by Pakistan | 0 |
| Matches Won by New Zealand | 3 (Batting First: 1 Win and Batting Second: 2 Wins) |
| Tied / No Result Games | 0 |
| Highest Total (PAK vs NZ in CT) | New Zealand: 274/7 in 50 overs |
| Lowest Total (PAK vs NZ in CT) | Pakistan: 223 all-out in 46.3 overs |
Weather Forecast Reports for Pakistan vs New Zealand Group A CT 2025
| Temperature | Wind Speed | Humidity | Cloud Cover | Dew Point | Chances of Rainfall |
| 27 °C to 32 °C | 17 km /hr to 22 km /hr | 38% | 1% to 3% | 14° | 0% |
Pitch Conditions, Toss Winning Captain’s Decision, and Important Stats
The National Stadium in Karachi’s pitch conditions favor batters more than bowlers and the toss-winning captain would probably invite the opponent team to bat first. This is because the venue recently staged two games of the ODI-tri series and in both the matches, the chasing side triumphed by a huge margin, as batters were able to score runs freely.
The following stats prove that the chasing sides have won the majority of games at this venue compared to the teams batting first:
| Overall ODIs played at this venue | 78 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 36 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 39 |
| Average Score | 1st Innings: 239, and 2nd Innings: 205 |
| Highest Team Score | India: 374/4 in 50 overs vs Hong Kong in Asia Cup 2008 |
| Lowest Team Score | Pakistan Women: 93 all-out in 40.4 overs vs Sri Lanka Women in Women’s Asia Cup 2005-06 |
| Highest Targets Chased | Pakistan: 355/4 in 49 overs vs South Africa in ODI Tri Series 2025 |
| Lowest Score Defended | Sri Lanka Women: 123 all-out in 45.2 overs vs Pakistan Women in Women’s Asia Cup 2005-06 |
Possible Playing XI for Pakistan vs New Zealand Season Opener Champions Trophy 2025
It is expected that Pakistan and New Zealand are likely to prefer an in-depth batting line-up for the season opener clash of the Champions Trophy 2025:
Pakistan’s Predicted Playing XI:
| S.No | Player | Role |
| 1. | Fakhar Zaman | Batsman |
| 2. | Babar Azam | Batsman |
| 3. | Saud Shakeel | All-rounder |
| 4. | Mohammad Rizwan (Captain) | Batsman and Wicketkeeper |
| 5. | Salman Agha | All-rounder |
| 6. | Tayyab Tahir | Batsman |
| 7. | Khushdil Shah | Batsman |
| 8. | Abrar Ahmed | Bowler |
| 9. | Shaheen Afridi | Bowler |
| 10. | Naseem Shah | Bowler |
| 11. | Haris Rauf | Bowler |
New Zealand’s Predicted Playing XI:
| S.No | Player | Role |
| 1. | Devon Conway | Batsman and Wicketkeeper |
| 2. | Will Young | Batsman |
| 3. | Kane Williamson | Batsman |
| 4. | Tom Latham | Batsman |
| 5. | Daryl Mitchell | All-rounder |
| 6. | Glenn Phillips | All-rounder |
| 7. | Michael Bracewell | All-rounder |
| 8. | Mitchell Santner (Captain) | All-rounder |
| 9. | Jacob Duffy | Bowler |
| 10. | Matt Henry | Bowler |
| 11. | William O’Rourke | Bowler |
Winner of PAK vs NZ 1st Match CT 2025: Final Prediction
The overall head-to-head stats in ODIs favor Pakistan to win the upcoming match. At the same time, the hosts haven’t won any game against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy and would be under pressure to break the jinx.
However, the Black Caps having won the ODI tri-series on Pakistan soil and their domination against the men-in-green in their backyard makes them the strongest contenders to win the season opener.
Overall, the chasing sides with a solid batting line-up are certain to have a stellar start to the Champions Trophy 2025.