Pakistan kick off their Champions Trophy defence with a tough clash against New Zealand in Karachi.
Pakistan vs New ZealandChampions Trophy Betting Odds & Game Info |
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|---|---|
| Best odds | Pakistan -138.89 at Nags.bet | New Zealand +110 at Nags.bet |
| When | Wednesday, February 19 – 2pm PKT |
| Where | National Stadium – Karachi, Pakistan |
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicks off this Wednesday in Karachi as Pakistan commence their title defence against New Zealand.
The hosts enter this clash as slight favourites at -138.89 with leading cricket bookmakers, while the Black Caps are at +110.
In recent times Pakistan have been a force to be reckoned with in ODI cricket, winning eight of their last nine bilateral series. However, they have not performed well in bigger competitions, with disappointing results in the most recent Cricket World Cup, the Asia Cup and their recent tri-series involving South Africa and New Zealand.
During that series, the visitors got the better of Pakistan on two occasions. That included their win in the final in Karachi on February 14, when New Zealand chased down 242 with five wickets and 28 balls to spare.
With similar conditions expected, it should be a balanced affair between bat and ball.
Both teams are expected to play similar sides to their most recent ODI meeting.
Pakistan are opting for experience throughout their batting order, with Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel making up the top order. Captain Mohammad Rizwan is set to bat alongside all-rounder Salman Ali Agha and power hitter Tayyab Tahir in the middle.
Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to lead a pace attack that features Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Spin options include Khushdil Shah and Abrar Ahmed.
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New Zealand are also set to have a very experienced batting lineup. Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway will open, followed by the likes of Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell and wicketkeeper Tom Latham.
There are a trio of all-rounders, with Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell and captain Mitchell Santner set to provide spin-bowling options and late-order hitting. Meanwhile, Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry front a rapid pace attack that should also include the inexperienced Will O’Rourke.
After their positive results in Pakistan just last week, New Zealand should be hard to beat once again. Their depth in batting is a clear strength, while their three-pronged spin attack is dangerous. Although they still haven’t been able to replace the recently retired duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee, the Black Caps’ pace attack should still be strong enough to get the job done.
The greatest threat in the Pakistan batting lineup is Mohammad Rizwan, coming in at number four. The keeper has been in excellent form, scoring over 40 in four of his last five ODI matches — including an impressive 122 not out against South Africa last week. Rizwan averages 47.75 in Pakistan, so back him to pass 50 at +200 with top betting sites.
Matt Henry has been New Zealand’s greatest threat with the ball in recent times, taking 14 wickets in his last five ODIs. His extra pace often catches batsmen out, while bowling inside the opening powerplay gives him the best chance to take wickets. While he is often expensive, he will draw the false shot, so back Henry to take two or more wickets at +110 with major ODI bookies.
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