PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction: 1st Match, Group A – ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Team Updates & Playing XI

Published on: February 18, 2025

PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction: 1st Match, Group A – ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Team Updates & Playing XI

PAK vs NZ Match Preview – ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The highly anticipated 1st match of Group A in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will feature Pakistan vs New Zealand at the National Stadium, Karachi, on February 19, 2025, at 2:30 PM IST. Both teams are coming into this tournament with high expectations and strong squads, making this opening clash a thrilling contest for cricket fans worldwide.

This preview covers match predictions, team news, probable playing XIs, key players, Dream11 fantasy tips, and more to help you stay updated on the game.

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Match Info: Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st Match, ICC Champions Trophy 2025

• Match: PAK vs NZ, 1st Match, Group A
• Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025
• Date: February 19, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM IST
• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
• Stadium Capacity: 27,000

Table of Contents

Pitch Report: National Stadium, Karachi

The National Stadium in Karachi is known for favoring batsmen, particularly in the second innings of the match. The average first-innings score at this venue is around 280+, indicating a batting-friendly surface.
• Batting Advantage: The pitch tends to favor batsmen, especially in the later stages of the game. Chasing is often the preferred choice for captains.
• Spin Support: Spinners will likely get assistance in the second innings as the pitch slows down.
• Pace Bowlers: Fast bowlers may struggle initially but could get reverse swing under lights.
• Toss Prediction: The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first to take advantage of the evening conditions.

Toss Winner Prediction: Pakistan

India’s World-Beating Status in Question Before Champions Trophy

PAK vs NZ Team News & Squad Updates

Pakistan Team News & Playing XI

• Openers: Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will lead the charge at the top.
• Middle Order: Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, and Mohammad Rizwan will anchor the batting lineup.
• All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf and Agha Salman will play crucial roles with both bat and ball.
• Spin Attack: Agha Salman and Abrar Ahmed will be Pakistan’s primary spinners.
• Pace Attack: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf will handle the fast-bowling duties.

Pakistan Probable XI:

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Babar Azam
3. Saud Shakeel
4. Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK)
5. Agha Salman
6. Tayyab Tahir
7. Khushdil Shah
8. Shaheen Afridi
9. Mohammad Hasnain
10. Naseem Shah
11. Abrar Ahmed

New Zealand Team News & Playing XI

• Openers: Devon Conway and Will Young (or Rachin Ravindra) are expected to open.
• Middle Order: Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Latham will anchor the innings.
• All-rounders: Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell will contribute with both bat and ball.
• Spin Attack: Santner and Bracewell will lead the spin department.
• Pace Attack: Ben Sears, Matt Henry, and William O’Rourke will handle the pace bowling.

New Zealand Probable XI:

1. Will Young
2. Devon Conway
3. Kane Williamson
4. Daryl Mitchell
5. Mitchell Santner (C)
6. Tom Latham (WK)
7. Glenn Phillips
8. Michael Bracewell
9. Matt Henry
10. Ben Sears
11. William O’Rourke

Key Players to Watch Out For

Pakistan Key Players

1. Shaheen Afridi – A lethal left-arm pacer who can dismantle the opposition with the new ball.
2. Naseem Shah – Known for his raw pace and wicket-taking ability in ODIs.
3. Haris Rauf – Pakistan’s death-over specialist who can restrict runs in crucial moments.
4. Faheem Ashraf – A handy all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball.
5. Mohammad Rizwan – An experienced wicketkeeper-batsman who can anchor the innings.
6. Saud Shakeel – A promising middle-order batter with a solid technique.
7. Tayyab Tahir – An aggressive middle-order batsman who can accelerate the scoring rate.
8. Abrar Ahmed – A mystery spinner who can trouble New Zealand’s batting lineup.

New Zealand Key Players

1. Daryl Mitchell – A dependable batsman with the ability to play match-winning innings.
2. William O’Rourke – A rising fast bowler known for his pace and accuracy.
3. Kane Williamson – The backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup with his ability to score big.
4.Mark Chapman – An aggressive batsman who can accelerate the innings in the middle overs.
5. Michael Bracewell – A reliable all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball.
6. Mitchell Santner – A key player for New Zealand, offering spin bowling and lower-order batting stability.
7. Devon Conway – A consistent opener who provides solid starts.
8. Rachin Ravindra – A talented all-rounder with a bright future.

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Best Performing Players for This Match

Best Bowlers
1. William O’Rourke
2. Shaheen Afridi
3. Matt Henry
4. Haris Rauf
5. Mitchell Santner
6. Faheem Ashraf

Best Batsmen
1. Kane Williamson
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Daryl Mitchell
4. Babar Azam
5. Michael Bracewell

Man of the Match Predictions

Potential match-winners for Man of the Match include:

1. Kane Williamson
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Daryl Mitchell
4. Babar Azam
5. Michael Bracewell

Dream11 Team & Fantasy Cricket Tips

PAK vs NZ Dream11 Captain and Vice-Captain Picks
1. Mitchell Santner & Mohammad Rizwan (Safe choice)
2. Daryl Mitchell & Fakhar Zaman (High-risk, high-reward)
3. Babar Azam & Kane Williamson (Classic choice)
4. Michael Bracewell & Agha Salman (Differential pick)

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PAK vs NZ Dream11 Team Suggestion

Wicket-keepers:
• Mohammad Rizwan
• Devon Conway

Batsmen:
• Babar Azam
• Daryl Mitchell
• Fakhar Zaman
• Kane Williamson

All-rounders:
• Agha Salman
• Mitchell Santner
• Michael Bracewell

Bowlers:
• William O’Rourke
• Shaheen Afridi
• Matt Henry
• Naseem Shah

Match Prediction: Who Will Win?

• Pakistan’s Strengths: Strong top order, world-class pacers, and home conditions.
• New Zealand’s Strengths: Experienced middle order, well-balanced attack, and consistent performers.
• Toss Prediction: Pakistan to win and opt to bowl first.
• Match Winner Prediction: Pakistan is likely to win due to their familiarity with Karachi’s conditions and a well-rounded squad.

This match promises to be an exciting battle between two top teams, making it a must-watch encounter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025!