New Zealand team celebrating after dismissing Mohammad Rizwan (AP)
Pakistan will host New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy at the National Stadium in Karachi. Pakistan are looking to defend their title, and a winning start would be key to their dream turning into reality. However, New Zealand would be no walkovers. The Kiwis had a dream run in the tri-series before the showpiece event and defeated Pakistan twice en route to winning the series.
Pakistan have multiple issues to sort out before the first game. The form of Babar Azam has been a concern, while the bowlers also looked toothless in the tri-series. The hosts need improve on the aforementioned aspects,to boost odds of winning. The good news for Pakistan is that Haris Rauf might return to the team for the crucial clash and bolster the bowling. Rauf was ruled out of the tri-series after picking up an injury in the first match vs New Zealand.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Stats And Record
Pakistan vs New Zealand Head To Head In ODIs
Pakistan and New Zealand have met in 118 ODIs, with Pakistan winning 61 and losing 53 matches. One match ended as a tie and three matches were no result.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Head To Head In Champions Trophy
New Zealand have enjoyed a great run over Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, winning all the three matches they have played.
PAK vs NZ Most Runs In Champions Trophy
- Mohammad Yousuf (PAK) - 140 runs
- Scott Styris (NZ) - 114 runs
- Saeed Anwar (PAK) - 104 runs
- Stephen Fleming (NZ) - 92 runs
- Grant Elliott (NZ) - 75 runs
PAK vs NZ Most Wickets In Champions Trophy
- Shayne O' Connor (NZ) - 5 Wickets
- Daniel Vettori (NZ)- 4 Wickets
- Ian Butler (NZ) - 4 Wickets
- Azhar Mahmood (PAK) - 4 Wickets
- Umar Gul (PAK), Shane Bond (NZ)- 3 Wickets
Notably, Pakistan and New Zealand have won Champions Trophy once before. Pakistan won the previous edition in 2017 after beating India in the final and New Zealand emerged victorious during the 2000 edition.
Pakistan Key Stats
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Agha Salman has been brilliant for Pakistan in ODIs since January 2024: 428 runs, average - 53.50, SR- 97.72
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Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has the joint-best record as Pakistan's ODI captain (8 wins in 12 matches, Win % - 66.66).
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Babar Azam as an ODI opener: 88 runs, Average- 17.60, SR - 78.57
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Shaheen Afridi in ODIs since 2024: 21 wickets in 9 matches, Average - 22.05, SR - 23.10
New Zealand Key Stats
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Tom Latham has scored most runs for New Zealand at Karachi stadium in ODIs: (280 runs, average: 40, SR: 83.58).
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Kane Williamson in last 5 ODIs vs PAK: 325 runs, Average - 65
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Matt Henry in ODIs since 1st Jan 2023: 39 wickets, Average - 24.92, SR- 29.1
- New Zealand have won three out of the last four games vs Pakistan.
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