New Delhi: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off with an electrifying opener between hosts Pakistan and New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium on February 19. For Pakistan, this tournament holds historic significance as it marks the nation’s first time hosting a major ICC event in nearly three decades. After years of security concerns, the return of global cricket showcases Pakistan’s successful efforts in restoring a safe and competitive sporting environment.
As the defending champions, Pakistan will be eager to make a strong start in front of their passionate home crowd. Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, the team blends experience with young talent, featuring key players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who are set to play pivotal roles. Their familiarity with home conditions could prove to be a major advantage in their quest to retain the title.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Head to Head, Champions Trophy 2025
New Zealand, renowned for their consistent performances in ICC tournaments, will enter this match with a surge of confidence, having recently defeated Pakistan in the tri-nation series final at the same venue. Led by Mitchell Santner, the Black Caps will rely on their well-balanced squad, with key players such as Kane Williamson, Devon Conway expected to lead the charge.
This contest promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Pakistan’s formidable batting line-up going up against New Zealand’s versatile and adaptive bowling attack. While Pakistan’s top order has been a major strength, New Zealand’s ability to quickly adjust to varying conditions and execute well-thought-out game plans often makes the difference in high-pressure situations. As both teams look to secure early momentum in the tournament, cricket fans are set for an exciting clash.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Head to Head Records in ODI
Pakistan and New Zealand have locked horns in 118 ODI matches so far, with Pakistan holding a slight advantage, having won 61 encounters, compared to New Zealand’s 53 victories. Additionally, three matches have ended without a result, and one match was tied.
In the ICC Champions Trophy, the two teams have met thrice, with Pakistan winning two and New Zealand securing one victory. Their most memorable clash came in the 2009 edition, where Pakistan’s dominant performance with both bat and ball sealed a comprehensive win in the semi-final.
Matches Played: 118
Pakistan Wins: 61
New Zealand Wins: 53
No Results: 3
Pakistan vs New Zealand Recent Encounters
The recent head-to-head encounters between Pakistan and New Zealand have seen momentum swing both ways. In their last five ODIs, New Zealand emerged victorious thrice, while Pakistan won twice, showcasing the competitive balance between the two sides.
New Zealand’s recent dominance included back-to-back wins in Karachi and Lahore earlier this month, with convincing margins of 5 wickets and 78 runs, respectively. However, Pakistan’s resilience was evident in their 21-run win during the 2023 World Cup in Bengaluru, where their bowlers successfully defended a modest total.
Last 5 Matches:
Pakistan vs New Zealand: New Zealand won by 5 wickets, Karachi, Feb 14, 2025
Pakistan vs New Zealand: New Zealand won by 78 runs, Lahore, Feb 8, 2025
New Zealand vs Pakistan: Pakistan won by 21 runs, Bengaluru, Nov 4, 2023
Pakistan vs New Zealand: New Zealand won by 47 runs, Karachi, May 7, 2023
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Pakistan won by 102 runs, Karachi, May 5, 2023
Pakistan vs New Zealand Head to Head Records at National Stadium, Karachi
This match marks another chapter in the rivalry between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium, Karachi, a venue known for its flat pitches and high-scoring contests.
The two teams have faced each other nine times at this ground, with the hosts winning four times compared to the five wins for the Kiwis. New Zealand also have the distinction of winning the last two matches at the National Stadium against Pakistan.
National Stadium, Karachi ODI Stats & Records
In a total of 78 matches, teams have experienced a diverse range of outcomes. The batting team has won 36 times when batting first, while the chasing team has been victorious 39 times. The average score in the first innings stands at 239 runs. The highest total in a match was 374/4 (50 overs) by India against Hong Kong in 2008, while the lowest total recorded was 115 (38.2 overs) by Bangladesh against Pakistan in 2008. The highest successful chase was 355/4 (49 overs) by Pakistan against South Africa in 2025, and the lowest total defended was 146 (43.3 overs) by Pakistan against New Zealand in 1994. Mohammad Yousuf from Pakistan holds the record for most runs, with 817 runs. The highest individual score belongs to Shoaib Malik of Pakistan, who scored an unbeaten 125*. The record for most sixes is shared by MS Dhoni (India), Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), and Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan), each hitting 12 sixes. Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan, both from Pakistan, have the most fifties, with 6 each, while the record for most hundreds is held by Suresh Raina (India), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Babar Azam (Pakistan), Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Salman Butt (Pakistan), and Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan), each with 2 centuries. Wasim Akram of Pakistan has claimed the most wickets with 23, and the best bowling performance in an innings is Ajantha Mendis’ 6/13.
PAK vs NZ, Champions Trophy: Full Squads
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (WK), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy
About The Author
