Karachi, Feb 19 (V7N) – The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins today with an exciting opener between defending champions Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. The day-night match is set to start at 2:00 PM local time (09:00 AM GMT), marking the return of the prestigious tournament after an eight-year gap.

The Champions Trophy, recognized as the second most significant ICC tournament after the World Cup, features eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes hosts Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B comprises Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

Pakistan Seeks Redemption

Despite being the defending champions, Pakistan enters the tournament with something to prove, having lost to New Zealand in a recent tri-nation series. Captain Mohammad Rizwan emphasized the importance of enjoying the game while striving for victory. "It is difficult to predict our performance, but we will give our best effort. Hosting such a major event after many years is a great opportunity for us," Rizwan stated.

Pakistan’s key strengths lie in their formidable pace attack, featuring Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, who are capable of turning the game in their favor. However, inconsistent batting remains a concern, as the team struggles with a lack of partnerships in crucial moments.

New Zealand's Confidence Boost

New Zealand, on the other hand, comes into the match with momentum, having beaten Pakistan twice recently. Captain Tom Latham expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt to conditions in Karachi. "We have played several matches in Pakistan and understand the conditions. We aim to start the tournament with a strong performance," Latham said.

New Zealand's top-order batsmen, including Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, are expected to play key roles, while their pace duo of Matt Henry and Peter O'Rourke could pose a significant challenge to Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Pitch & Weather Conditions

The National Stadium pitch is expected to favor batsmen, with clear weather ensuring an uninterrupted contest. Experts predict a high-scoring match, with the possibility of dew playing a role in the latter half of the game.

Global Viewership & Broadcast

The opening match will be broadcast live on major sports networks, including Star Sports, and streamed online via JioHotstar, ensuring global cricket fans don’t miss the action.

With both teams eager to make a strong start, today’s clash promises an electrifying beginning to the Champions Trophy 2025.

END/RH/AJ