PAK vs NZ Preview: A new chapter begins as an ICC event returns to Pakistan

The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy is set to get underway with hosts Pakistan vs New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. The match will commence at 2:30 pm (IST)/2 pm (local time) on Wednesday, February 19.

The two sides clashed twice in the recently-concluded Tri-Nation Series. The Black Caps proved to be the better of the two sides on both occasions, ultimately going on to win the tri-series. Before the aforementioned tournament, New Zealand emerged victorious via a 2-1 margin in the three-match series played at home against Sri Lanka. The Mitchell Santner-led side came into the Champions Trophy with a quite decent track record as far as white-ball cricket is concerned.

Pakistan have also had their share of success in ODIs in the previous year. They enjoyed a brilliant spell in the latter half of 2024, winning consecutive 50-over series against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. What made the achievement even more commendable was the fact that all of the series were played away from home. An added weight of expectations would be on their shoulders, considering they are the defending champions and also the hosts. They will be hosting their first ICC event in 29 years, which only adds to the anticipation among their supporters.

Pitch Report

A batting-friendly surface is expected to be offered for the curtain-raiser. The spinners could be expected to come into the game once the ball roughens up. A high-scoring affair could well be on the cards.

Predicted XIs

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson