Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Begin Title Defense as New Zealand Chase First ICC Trophy in Over Two Decades

After a seven-year hiatus, the ICC Champions Trophy is finally back, reigniting the excitement for ODI cricket. The tournament kicks off on Wednesday in Karachi, with defending champions Pakistan facing New Zealand in what promises to be a high-intensity clash.

While the T20 format has dominated international cricket in recent years, the return of the Champions Trophy is expected to revive fans’ enthusiasm for the 50-over game. The last edition, held in 2017, saw Pakistan claim their maiden title with a resounding 180-run victory over India in the final under Sarfaraz Ahmed’s captaincy. Now, they begin their quest to become only the second team to defend the prestigious title successfully.

Pakistan faces a familiar and formidable opponent in New Zealand, a team that has dominated them in recent encounters. The Blackcaps have played 11 ODIs in Pakistan since 2019, more than any other touring side, and recently defeated the hosts in the ODI tri-nation series final just days before this tournament.

Although Pakistan managed to beat New Zealand in their 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cup encounters, the Kiwis have historically held the upper hand in the Champions Trophy, winning all three previous meetings (2000, 2006, and 2009). Their confidence will also be boosted by their 3-1 record against Pakistan in their last four ODIs.

One of Pakistan’s biggest concerns heading into the tournament is the form of their star batter, Babar Azam. The former captain has gone 21 ODI innings without scoring a century, raising questions about his ability to anchor the innings effectively. However, his recent promotion to the top order could provide an opportunity to capitalize on the powerplay conditions and return to his best.

Additionally, Pakistan will have to counter New Zealand’s spinners, who have been highly effective in recent matches. Captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell were instrumental in the tri-nation series, claiming five wickets between them at an impressive economy rate of 4.41. This is significantly lower than the economy rates of Pakistan (5.67) and South Africa (5.94), highlighting the effectiveness of the Kiwi spinners.

Historically, Pakistan and New Zealand have been closely matched in ODIs. In their last 11 encounters, Pakistan has won six, while New Zealand has claimed five victories. However, New Zealand has won three of the last four meetings, giving them an edge in recent form.

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

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