16.1 C
Manchester
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Other SportsICC Champions Trophy - Pakistan v New Zealand: Preview, expected line-ups, how...

ICC Champions Trophy – Pakistan v New Zealand: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch on TV and prediction

The State of Play

Pakistan open the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy tomorrow when they take on New Zealand in a momentous moment for cricket in the country.

It is the first ICC tournament staged in Pakistan since the terror attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009 and there will be huge pressure on local authorities to provide a safe and welcoming environment for seven of the eight participating teams.

India will not be visiting its near neighbour with ongoing political tensions meaning all their games will be staged in Dubai, including their clash with Pakistan on February 23.

Before that, Pakistan have the chance to get the defence of the title they won in 2017 up and running and gain revenge on the Black Caps, who won the recent tri-series that also involved South Africa.

The hosts can still veer from the brilliant to the dreadful and captain Mohammad Rizwan knows consistency is the key in tournament cricket.

He said: “There are ups and downs and certain deficiencies in our side. We are aware we need to bring about certain improvements in our professionalism and consistency.

“We tried to learn from the tri-series, which is why we batted first in the final to work out where our weaknesses lie. We used that series as a training experience. We hope we’ve learned enough to cover for those weaknesses tomorrow.

“Every player is desperate for this title. And we’re doing everything we can to work out how to win. I don’t think any country works as hard as we do.”

New Zealand are canny operators and come into the game as favourites, despite some key absentees.

Spinning all-rounders Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell could be important if the wickets throw up the usual recipe of spin and bounce.

Team News

Pakistan’s main injury concern is Haris Rauf but the paceman is expected to be fit after bowling several overs in the nets in the build up. Rauf sustained a chest injury against New Zealand on February 8 but is set to return to the starting XI.

New Zealand come into the tournament without injured fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears but opener Rachin Ravindra is likely to be fit after not playing since being hit on the head while fielding in the first game of the tri-series. 

Expected line-ups

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

New Zealand: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke

How to Watch

The ICC Champions Trophy can be watched in the UK on Sky Sports. Wednesday’s coverage starts on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket at 0830.

In India, it is being shown on the JioStar network with JioHotstar providing live streaming. On television, in addition to the English feed, coverage will also be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada across Star Sports and Sports18 channels.

Prediction

New Zealand were much too strong for Pakistan in the recent tri-series and it’s hard to see anything changing here.

Add in the fact Pakistan will be under enormous pressure to succeed on home soil under the gaze of an expectant fan base, and it could be a tricky opening day for Rizwan and Co.

The Black Caps are tricky customers and could go deep if their spinners find their range.

We’re going for New Zealand to rain on the Pakistan parade.

Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher
Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.
Latest

Work starts on a permanent home for Star Radcliffe Academy

Work has begun on creating a permanent home for Star Radcliffe Academy. The secondary school is the first in Radcliffe for over a decade, offering...

Two men arrested in money laundering crackdown

Warrants were carried out yesterday as part of an operation cracking down on money laundering in Greater Manchester. Two men, aged 30 and 25, have...

Investigators appeal following road traffic collision in Wigan

Police are appealing for witnesses following a road collision in Leigh, Wigan. At around 3pm on Monday, officers were called to the junction of Kirkhall...

Daredevil Malcolm Guest forsakes wheelchair for charity zip wire challenge

Malcolm Guest is taking to the skies for a zip wire challenge in aid of the MS Therapy Centre. On April 15, the 64-year-old from...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Woman discovered in River Mersey last year is identified

A woman who was discovered in the River Mersey last year has been identified following an extensive police investigation. She can now be named as...

Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity raises £40,000 at 2025 Gala Dinner

A night of dinner, dancing and a surprise DJ set from Andy Burnham has raised £40,000 for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity – more than...

Interactive roadshows set to help people identify bowel cancer symptoms

Two interactive roadshows are taking place in Manchester to help people identify the symptoms of bowel cancer. New research reveals that 35% of adults in...

Batman star Val Kilmer dies, aged 65

Hollywood star Val Kilmer, best known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and The Doors, has died aged 65. He died of pneumonia...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...