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The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to ignite cricketing action, with the tournament opener featuring Pakistan and New Zealand on February 19 at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
High-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener
This ninth edition of the prestigious event will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, bringing together the top eight teams from the ODI World Cup 2023. The clash between Pakistan and New Zealand holds immense significance, especially given their recent encounters in an ODI tri-series in Pakistan, where the Blackcaps emerged victorious on both occasions. While Pakistan showcased their mettle in ODI cricket post-World Cup with notable series wins against Australia and South Africa, their struggles in the tri-series have raised concerns. However, playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the Men in Green will aim for a strong start to their Champions Trophy campaign. The result of this opening game could shape their momentum, especially with the high-stakes clash between Pakistan and India scheduled for February 23.
Key concerns ahead of the tournament opener
Pakistan have concerns in the batting and bowling departments. The absence of in-form opener Saim Ayub due to injury has left a void at the top of the order that could prompt management to consider Babar Azam as a potential opener alongside Fakhar Zaman. Fakhar, who made a return to the squad last year, has been in impressive form and will carry additional responsibility in the absence of a specialist opener. The middle order will revolve around Mohammad Rizwan, who is not only leading the team but also in outstanding form, having recently smashed an unbeaten century against South Africa. Salman Ali Agha, who partnered Rizwan in a record stand in that same game, is another crucial component of the batting order.
While Pakistan’s batting depth offers promise, the major concern lies in their bowling attack, which lacked sharpness during the recently concluded home tri-series. The pace unit, led by Shaheen Afridi, raised alarms over their effectiveness in breaking partnerships. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf will be key figures in providing support, but the absence of a specialist spin option remains a worry. Abrar Ahmed will be the lone front-line spinner, with additional assistance expected from part-time options Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha. Given the conditions in Karachi, where reverse swing and spin could play a decisive role later in the innings, Pakistan’s bowlers will need to step up to avoid conceding another defeat to New Zealand.
Also READ: India’s group-stage rivals: Evaluating Pakistan, New Zealand & Bangladesh in Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan’s predicted playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 game against New Zealand:
1. Fakhar Zaman (Opener)
Returning to form after a fallout with the PCB, Fakhar has shown he can be a game-changer at the top. His recent performances make him an important part of the opening pair. Without Saim Ayub, Fakhar’s role becomes crucial in giving the team a strong start in this high-pressure match.
2. Babar Azam (Opener)
As Pakistan’s captain, Babar is the team’s mainstay in the batting order. Known for his consistency and leadership, Babar’s ability to anchor the innings and adjust his game depending on the situation will be vital, especially in early overs against New Zealand’s pace attack.
3. Saud Shakeel (Top-order Batter)
Shakeel’s rise has been noteworthy, with his solid technique and stability in the middle order. Shakeel will play a crucial role in building partnerships and stabilizing the innings if early wickets fall, especially in conditions where New Zealand’s seamers could exploit early movement.
4. Mohammad Rizwan (WK & Captain)
Captain Rizwan has been in exceptional form, notably scoring an unbeaten century in recent matches. As the captain and wicketkeeper, Rizwan’s leadership and batting prowess will be key, especially in the middle order where Pakistan’s batting has occasionally faltered.
5. Salman Ali Agha (Middle-order Batter)
Salman Agha has proved his worth with crucial middle-order contributions, notably during the recent record partnership with Rizwan. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable asset in the powerplay and death overs.
6. Tayyab Tahir (Middle-order Batter)
Tahir will be the wild card in the lineup. Though he has limited experience, he brings an aggressive approach that could prove beneficial in shifting momentum in the middle overs against New Zealand’s spinners and pacers.
7. Khushdil Shah (All-rounder)
Khushdil’s role will be pivotal as an all-rounder. Known for his power-hitting in the middle order, he also offers useful left-arm spin, making him a potential match-winner in conditions that suit spinners, especially when Pakistan looks to break partnerships.
8. Shaheen Afridi (Fast Bowler)
Afridi is one of the best pacers in world cricket and will be Pakistan’s main threat with the ball. His ability to generate pace and swing makes him a prime candidate to exploit Karachi’s pitch conditions, which can aid pacers in the early overs.
9. Naseem Shah (Fast Bowler)
Naseem is another key figure in Pakistan’s bowling attack. Despite some recent inconsistency, his raw pace and ability to extract bounce will be crucial, especially against New Zealand’s top-order, which is known for its vulnerability to express pace.
10. Haris Rauf (Fast Bowler)
Haris brings pace and aggression to Pakistan’s attack. His ability to bowl at the death and break partnerships will be vital, especially against New Zealand’s middle-order hitters. Rauf’s accurate yorkers and high pace can be game-changers in tight situations.
11. Abrar Ahmed (Spinner)
As Pakistan’s primary spin option, Abrar will have the responsibility of controlling the middle overs and picking up wickets. His mystery spin and variations could be the key in the latter stages, particularly when conditions start to assist spinners. With little backup in the spin department, his performance will be critical.
