Pakistan are set to take on New Zealand in the opening clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday as the Men in Green aim to defend their title on home soil. While the ICC Champions Trophy is returning after a hiatus of eight years, the tournament also marks the country hosting an ICC event for the first time since 1996.
New Zealand, who won the title back in 2000, are coming after a triumphant Tri-Nation series, beating Pakistan in the final earlier this month. Pakistan’s only Champions Trophy title came in 2017 after beating India in the final at The Oval.
While Pakistan remain injury-less, New Zealand will be missing the services of pacers Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson, who were ruled out due to injures. Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson were named as replacements.
Pakistan vs New Zealand head-to-head
Pakistan have never won against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy in three matches that they have played. Pakistan played New Zealand in the tournament in 2000, 2006 and 2009. This will be their fourth meeting in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Pakistan vs New Zealand predicted playing XIs
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf
New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith/Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke
Catch the live action of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with the complete ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule, and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Points Table. Also, know who currently holds the record of Most Runs and Most Wickets in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
PAK vs NZ LIVE SCORE: National Stadium in Karachi
PAK vs NZ LIVE SCORE: The match will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi, known for favouring batters. So far, the venue has hosted 78 ODIs. Teams batting first have won 36 matches, and those bowling first secured 39 victories. 
PAK vs NZ LIVE SCORE: When will the match start?
PAK vs NZ LIVE SCORE: The Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI cricket match will start at 2:30 PM (India time). The toss is scheduled to take place at 2 PM.
PAK vs NZ LIVE SCORE: Head-to-Head records
PAK vs NZ LIVE SCORE: Pakistan and New Zealand have played 118 ODI cricket matches against each other. Pakistan emerged victorious 61 times. The Black Caps secured 53 victories.
Three ODI matches had no result, and one match ended in a tie. Their most recent clash was on February 14 this year. New Zealand won the match by 5 wickets.
PAK vs NZ LIVE SCORE: Weather prediction
PAK vs NZ LIVE SCORE: The weather in Karachi today looks ideal for cricket. No rain is expected throughout the match. The match starts at 2 PM (local time). At that time, the temperature will be around 29°C, as per Weather.com. The temperature will consistently drop throughout the match and reach 24°C by 9 PM.
PAK vs NZ LIVE SCORE: Sears, Ferguson ruled out
New Zealand will be missing the services of pacers Ben Sears and Lockie Ferguson, who were ruled out due to injures. Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson were named as replacements.
PAK vs NZ LIVE SCORE: ICC event returns to Pakistan after 29 years
Pakistan is hosting an ICC event for the first time in 29 years. However, India will play all their games in Dubai.
PAK vs NZ LIVE SCORE: Welcome
Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the Pakistan vs New Zealand clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.