Champions Trophy 2025: Match 1, PAK vs NZ Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between PAK vs NZ?

Pakistan will take on New Zealand in Match 1 of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19. Both the teams had clashed in the finals of the Tri-nation Series on February 14 and New Zealand had rattled Pakistan to win the trophy. But the ICC event is a different ball game altogether and the pressure is different as the league stage leaves no room for errors.

Pakistan will take heart from being hosts and most importantly, knowing the conditions very well than other teams. Though they have been marred with injuries, one thing that has affected them most is opener, Saim Ayub’s unavailability. On the other hand, the tri-series has helped New Zealand get acclimatised to the conditions and they too have lost the services of Lockie Ferguson to injury. 

Match Details

Pitch Report

National Stadium in Karachi will help batters and keep the pacers in the game at the start. On the other hand, spinners will find it hard to grip the ball in the second innings and batters will find it easy to tonk them in the second half. 

Also Check: Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

Head-To-Head Record

PAK vs NZ Predicted Playing 11 

Pakistan: 

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

New Zealand: 

Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, William O'Rourke

Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Fakhar Zaman 

Fakhar Zaman had a brilliant outing for Pakistan in their last 50-over ICC event as the opener. He was impressive in the tri-series, scoring 135 runs in three games at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 120.53.

Probable Best Bowler: Matt Henry

Matt Henry had a good outing for New Zealand in the tri-series. He is currently leading the attack for them in the Champions Trophy. He picked five wickets in two games before stepping into the global event. 

   Today's Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the match

Scenario 1

• New Zealand win the toss and opt to bat first.
• Powerplay: 40-50
• NZ: 260-280
• New Zealand win the match.

Scenario 2

• Pakistan win the toss and opt to bat first.
• Powerplay: 50-60
• PAK: 270-290
• Pakistan win the match.

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.