The stage is set for a breathtaking contest as Pakistan and New Zealand get ready to face each other in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday at National Stadium, Karachi. The clash is expected to produce fierce competition and high-quality cricket. And, this match is really crucial as it marks the beginning of a highly-awaited competition. 

The anticipation surrounding this encounter is heightened by the fact that New Zealand recently got the better of Pakistan in the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series. The series, which was played just ahead of the Champions Trophy, served as an important build-up for both teams. New Zealand’s victory in the final sent a strong message to Pakistan, showing their class in both batting and bowling departments. The Black Caps, led by Mitchell Santner, defeated Pakistan in a hard-fought final to win the tri-series.

Pakistan, under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, had been in solid form throughout the tri-series, but New Zealand’s all-around brilliance helped them clinch the trophy. Devon Conway, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell have been in blistering form and would be hoping to go on with the same audacity. New Zealand, who have bolstered their chances to be one of the favourites at the Champions Trophy, have been the more consistent side in ODIs of late. 

New Zealand, with their solid lineup, enter Champions Trophy with a wave of confidence, backed by a well-rounded team that boasts highly experienced players. 

On the other hand, Pakistan, although coming off a loss in the tri-series final, will aim to exploit home conditions. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will once again be the focal point for Pakistan’s top order, and they will look to their experienced pacers, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, to provide the breakthroughs in the crucial moments.

While New Zealand hold the advantage in recent times, Pakistan's unpredictable nature can not be ruled out. As the opening encounter nears, both sides would look to get off the mark with a victory to build their dominance in the tournament. 

Head to head ODIs (last five matches)

Matches 5

PAK won - 2

NZ won - 3

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

NZ Probable XI: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson