As the Champions Trophy returns after eight years, Pakistan aims to break its winless streak against New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi.
February 19, 2025: The ICC Champions Trophy is making a comeback today after an eight-year hiatus, with defending champions and hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in a high-stakes opener at the National Stadium in Karachi. This marks Pakistan’s first time hosting an ICC event since 1996, adding extra significance to the encounter.
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Pakistan and New Zealand have faced off frequently in recent times, playing 11 matches since 2023. Pakistan holds a narrow edge, winning six of those clashes, while New Zealand has claimed five victories, including three of the last four meetings. The Kiwis also triumphed in the final of their recent tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa.
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However, when it comes to the Champions Trophy, history favors New Zealand. Pakistan has never defeated the BlackCaps in the tournament, losing all three of their previous encounters (2000, 2006, and 2009). Mohammad Rizwan and his team will be eager to rewrite history by securing their first-ever victory over New Zealand in this prestigious competition.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Champions Trophy Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | Pakistan Wins | New Zealand Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0 | 3 |
In overall ODI encounters, Pakistan has a better record, winning 61 of 118 matches, while New Zealand has secured 53 victories. Three matches ended without a result.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: ODI Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | Pakistan Wins | New Zealand Wins | Tie | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 118 | 61 | 53 | 1 | 3 |
New Zealand’s record in Pakistan is also shaky, having lost 22 of their 30 matches played in the country. However, their recent form in Pakistan is promising, with three consecutive wins in the recent tri-series.
Squads
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Saud Shakeel.
New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra.
Pakistan will be looking to capitalize on home advantage and turn the tide against the Kiwis as they set their sights on a winning start in the Champions Trophy.
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Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025, PAK vs NZ, Cricket Pakistan, Cricket New Zealand, ICC Champions Trophy, Cricket Records, Cricket Head-to-Head, Karachi Cricket, Mohammad Rizwan, Kane Williamson