Champions Trophy 2025: Match 1, Pakistan vs New Zealand - Stats & Records at National Stadium Karachi

The ICC Champions Trophy returns after a 7-year hiatus and will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. This will be the first time that Pakistan are hosting an ICC event since 1996. 

The tournament opener will feature hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. Pakistan have been in some stellar form in ODIs having won three away series in a row and finishing runners-up in the tri-series hosted by them.  

New Zealand's run was a little sporadic leading up to this tournament. The only ODI series they played in 2024 was an away loss to Sri Lanka, but they settled scores beating the same opponent in a home series at the start of 2025. New Zealand then took part in a tri-series hosted by Pakistan and won the whole tournament without losing a single game by beating the hosts in the final at the National Stadium itself. 

ODI Stats and Records at National Stadium, Karachi

Of the four matches in the recent tri-series, the last two were held in Karachi and saw contrasting results. Pakistan chased down 352 against South Africa but were shot out for 242 in the final against New Zealand. 

Top player battles to watch out for in PAK vs NZ:

Kane Williamson vs Shaheen Shah Afridi:

The two stalwarts have not come across each other that often, and even when they have, Williamson has managed to keep the left-arm bowler at bay. The Kiwi talisman has scored 30 runs from 50 balls at a strike of 60 while being dismissed just once at an average of 30 in the 50-over format. 

Babar Azam vs Matt Henry:

Pakistan's star batter has had to endure a tough time against the pace ace. Babar has scored 81 runs from 123 balls at a strike rate of 65.85 and has been dismissed thrice at an average of 27 against Henry. His dipping numbers in recent times may not inspire enough confidence for him to turn the tables around on Henry.