ICC Champions Trophy 2025: - Fantasy Tips For PAK Vs NZ, Top Picks, Weather Report, Date, Time Venue, Pitch Report, Probable Playing XI

Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi. The tournament, scheduled from 19th February to 9th March 2025, will feature the top eight ranked men’s national teams competing for the prestigious title. The teams are divided into two groups, with Group A comprising Pakistan, India, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. 

Each team will play only three matches in the group stage, making the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 a virtual knockout tournament, ensuring high-pressure and fiercely contested games. Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other in 118 ODIs so far, with Pakistan winning 61 matches while New Zealand has secured 53 victories. Mohammad Rizwan will lead the Shaheens, while Mitchell Santner will captain the Blackcaps. 

Pakistan and New Zealand recently faced off in the Tri-Series, where New Zealand emerged victorious in both encounters and went on to win the final, which was played at the same venue. With this recent success, the Blackcaps will be high on confidence heading into the Champions Trophy opener. Meanwhile, Pakistan, the host nation, will be eager to defend their title, having won the previous edition of the tournament in 2017. With both teams having a point to prove, this promises to be a thrilling and highly competitive contest.