Inconsistent Pakistan’s big test against New Zealand
| Date | February 19, 2025 |
| Time | 2:30 PM IST |
| Venue | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Format | ODI |
| Series | ICC Champions Trophy, 2025 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
Babar Azam has odds of 2.95 to be Pakistan's best batsman
Kane Williamson has odds of 3.25 to be New Zealand's best batsman
Haris Rauf has odds of 3.00 to be Pakistan's best bowler
Matt Henry has odds of 2.90 to be New Zealand's best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
We are in the 1st Match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Hosts Pakistan will be up against New Zealand in the first game as both teams look to make a perfect start. The two sides recently met in the Tri-Series, and New Zealand had the better of the Pakistanis in both games. The Pakistanis play at home, and the players know the conditions. They will start the game with higher odds and a strong batting lineup to rely on. The Kiwis have sent out alarm bells across different camps and performed well in recent months. They won’t make it easy for the Pakistanis in this game. It is the tournament's first game, and there will be pressure on both teams, so we expect a good contest.
Pakistan Preview
Mohammad Rizwan's team recently lost in the tri-series 1st Match against New Zealand, and the team will be wary of their opponent's strength. However, the side has always enjoyed a good record at home, putting them ahead on cricket betting sites. The talismanic batting lineup has struggled with its consistency, and Rizwan expects a strong show from his batters to start the tournament with a bang.
Babar Azam is struggling with consistency, and the team expects him to gain form and build a big partnership with Fakhar Zaman. The middle order has done well in recent games, and the team needs Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, and Mohammad Rizwan to build big partnerships. The side will be worried about the form of the lower middle order and need runs from Tayyab Tahir and Khushdil Shah.
The bowling attack will face a tough challenge, as the Kiwis have done well with the bat in recent games. Shaheen Afridi is the key bowler in this team and must do well, sharing the new ball with Naseem Shah. Haris Rauf must use the conditions to his advantage in the middle overs and do well with Abrar Ahmed in the middle overs. Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah must deliver tight spells in the supporting role for the team to win.
Expected Starting XI for Pakistan
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand Preview
Mitchell Santner's team will be confident heading into the game after their unblemished performance in the recent tri-series. The side will take inspiration from their recent win against Pakistan in the 1st Match. However, there are question marks over Rachin Ravindra's comeback, which is a blow to their batting and bowling. They will start with lower odds on cricket betting apps against the hosts. Santner expects his players to build on the momentum.
Devon Conway is in good form, but the side will be worried about Will Young's form. The pair must deliver a strong start at the top. Kane Williamson's form is a confidence booster for the team, and he must do well in the middle of Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham's orders. Glenn Phillips, Michaell Bracewell, and Mitchell Santner add to the team's batting firepower.
William O'Rourke and Matt Henry have done well in recent games, and the team expects them to strike early and put the Pakistanis under pressure. Lockie Ferguson must use his variations in the middle overs and do well with Santner. The team will expect a good show in the supporting role from Michael Bracewell.
Expected Starting XI for New Zealand
Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke
TOSS: To Bat First
Karachi is a dream wicket for batters. The flat surface allows teams to put up big scores on the board. Chasing targets at this venue isn’t easy as the ball moves a lot in the second half under lights. The team winning the toss would look to bat first in this game.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We expect clear skies and good weather conditions in Karachi. The wicket will be flat and allow batsmen to play their strokes early. There won’t be much on this track for the fast bowlers, though the spinners will enjoy batting here. The team batting first will need 320 on the board to feel confident.
OUR PREDICTION
New Zealand has done well in recent games. They have a strong batting lineup, but a lack of depth in the bowling is one of the team's concerns. The Pakistanis know the conditions well and shall enjoy the crowd's support in the game. Their depth in bowling is another plus for the team. We expect a close contest, but the Pakistanis will start the game slightly ahead.
Our prediction is for Pakistan to win
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