The much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has officially commenced, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening Group A clash at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Current Score:
Pakistan: (15/50 ov) 71/2
After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to field first, anticipating that dew later in the match might favor the chasing side.
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan highlighted that the team is staying focused on the present rather than dwelling on past performances, aiming to play with a calm and composed mindset.
Read more: The Wait is Over! ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Begins Today in Pakistan
Team Updates & Key Changes
Pakistan has made a notable change in their playing XI, bringing back fast bowler Haris Rauf in place of Faheem Ashraf to bolster the pace attack.
Pitch & Match Conditions
Former Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz, in his pitch analysis, described the Karachi surface as ideal for batting, predicting a high-scoring contest. He suggested that fast bowlers maintain disciplined lines and lengths to avoid conceding easy runs. Since the game is being played under lights, the presence of dew could work in favor of the team batting second.
Meanwhile, New Zealand is facing some injury concerns. Young all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who recently sustained a head injury in the ODI tri-series, was seen training but remains uncertain for the match. Additionally, Kyle Jamieson has yet to arrive and join the squad.
A Historic Cricketing Moment for Pakistan
Pakistan is experiencing an electrifying cricket atmosphere as the country hosts an ICC event after nearly 30 years. The last ICC tournament match in Pakistan was the 1996 World Cup final, held in Lahore. The return of international cricket at this level has ignited excitement among fans, making this event particularly significant for the nation’s cricketing community.
Champions Trophy Evolution & Tournament Format
First introduced in 1998 to promote the sport beyond traditional Test-playing nations, the Champions Trophy has evolved over the years. This edition features Bangladesh and Afghanistan among the eight competing teams, whereas Sri Lanka and the West Indies have missed out on qualification.
With the tournament now underway, cricket enthusiasts are eager to see how both sides tackle this crucial opening match. Pakistan’s decision to field first reflects confidence in their bowling strength, while New Zealand will aim to set a strong target on what is expected to be a batting-friendly pitch.
