PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction, Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan vs New Zealand Fantasy XI, Captain & Vice-Captain Choices

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PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan and New Zealand are set to lock horns in the tournament opener of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19.

With a history of intense encounters, this match promises to be an electrifying start to the competition. Pakistan, the defending champions, will have the advantage of playing at home, while New Zealand, the recent tri-series winners, will aim to extend their dominance.

Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, enters the tournament seeking redemption after losing to New Zealand twice in the recent tri-series. On the other hand, Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand side, buoyed by recent victories, will look to continue their momentum.

Match Information

• Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand, 1st Match, Group A
• Date: 19 February 2025, Wednesday
• Time: 2:30 PM IST
• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
• Broadcast: Star Sports Network
• Live Stream: JioHotstar

Pitch and Weather Report

The National Stadium pitch traditionally favours batters, offering good bounce and pace, making stroke play easier. However, as the match progresses, spinners could come into play with some turn and grip. The average first-innings score at the venue in ODIs is around 260-270. Weather-wise, Karachi is expected to be clear with no rain interruptions. The temperature will hover around 25°C, ensuring ideal cricketing conditions.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Preview

Pakistan

Pakistan, the hosts and defending champions, will be eager to start strong. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the team has made a few adjustments, with Babar Azam set to open alongside Fakhar Zaman. The pace attack looks formidable with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, while Abrar Ahmed will handle the spin department.

New Zealand

New Zealand, under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, will be riding high on confidence after clinching the recent tri-series. Kane Williamson’s presence will bolster the batting order, while Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell add stability. Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson lead the pace attack, with Michael Bracewell and Santner providing spin options.

Key Players to Watch

• Shaheen Afridi (PAK): Took 6 wickets in the recent tri-series.
• Fakhar Zaman (PAK): Scored 135 runs in the last tri-series.
• Kane Williamson (NZ): Top-scored with 225 runs in 3 innings.
• Devon Conway (NZ): Recently scored 145 runs in 2 innings.

PAK vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

Wicketkeepers

Devon Conway, Mohammad Rizwan

Batters

Kane Williamson, Babar Azam, Daryl Mitchell, Fakhar Zaman

All-rounders

Salman Agha, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips

Bowlers

Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

Captain Choices

Babar Azam, Devon Conway

Vice-Captain Choices

Kane Williamson, Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan vs New Zealand Probable Playing XI

Pakistan:

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

New Zealand:

Will Young, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Nathan Smith/Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke

Pakistan vs New Zealand Full Squad

Pakistan:

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kamran Ghulam

New Zealand:

Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Michael Bracewell, Will Young, Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra