The wait is finally over! After 29 long years, Pakistan is set to host an ICC event, and what better way to begin the Champions Trophy 2025 than with an electrifying showdown between New Zealand and Pakistan at the iconic National Stadium, Karachi on February 19, 2025?
🔥 New Zealand: Peaking at the Right Time
Fresh off their triumph in the recent Tri-Series held in Pakistan, where they outclassed both the hosts and South Africa, the Kiwis arrive with sky-high confidence. Kane Williamson has been the architect of their success, with a sublime unbeaten century against South Africa and a monumental milestone—7000 ODI runs, making him the second-fastest batter to achieve this feat after the legendary Hashim Amla. With every player stepping up when it matters most, New Zealand seems to be hitting their peak at just the right time!
💥 Pakistan: The Defending Champions on Home Soil
While New Zealand might have edged past them in the Tri-Series final, make no mistake—Pakistan on home soil is a different beast! The defending champions will be roaring to start their campaign on a high, with the lethal trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf leading the pace attack. Add to that Mohammad Rizwan’s red-hot form and Salman Agha’s recent brilliance, and you have a team ready to set Karachi ablaze!
📊 Head-to-Head in ICC ODI Tournaments:
History sides with Pakistan, who hold an 8-5 advantage over the Kiwis in ICC ODI events. But here’s a stat to make every New Zealand fan sit up—in the Champions Trophy, these two have met three times, and New Zealand has won ALL THREE encounters!
| Matches Played | Pakistan | New Zealand |
| 13 | 8 | 5 |
🎭 High Stakes, High Drama
With emotions running high, the crowd in Karachi is sure to be a cauldron of passion and intensity. New Zealand will be eager to break their Champions Trophy jinx against Pakistan, while the home side will look to reassert their dominance.
Form up against the Storm
So, who will set the tone for this blockbuster tournament? Will Williamson’s Kiwis carry forward their recent form, or will Pakistan unleash a storm in their own backyard? Brace yourselves, cricket fans—the Champions Trophy is HERE! 🏆🔥