New Zealand and Afghanistan will play a warm-up match on February 16 in Karachi. This game helps both teams prepare for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Fans can expect exciting cricket action at the National Stadium starting at 2:30 PM IST.
- Mitchell Santner (NZ) and Rashid Khan (AFG) are key players.
- The pitch in Karachi favors batters but offers help for fast bowlers.
- Dream11 fantasy teams should focus on all-rounders and in-form batters.
Key Players to Watch in NZ vs AFG Clash
New Zealand relies on captain Mitchell Santner, who shines as an all-rounder. Glenn Phillips adds power with his batting and bowling. Star batter Kane Williamson brings experience to the team.
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan is a top bowler with match-winning skills. Rahmanullah Gurbaz provides explosive starts as an opener. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s fast bowling could trouble NZ batters early.
Young talents like Rachin Ravindra (NZ) and Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) may surprise fans. These players could become future stars in international cricket.
Pitch and Weather Conditions in Karachi
The National Stadium pitch is batting-friendly. Teams often score 300+ runs here. Fast bowlers get early swing, while spinners struggle in middle overs.
Weather will be sunny (30°C) during the day but cooler by evening. No rain is expected, ensuring a full match. These conditions favor batters and agile fielders.
Recent ODI Stats at National Stadium
| Matches Played | Avg. 1st Innings Score | Chasing Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 303 | 28 |
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips for Warm-Up Match
Pick 3-4 all-rounders like Santner or Mohammad Nabi. They earn points with both bat and ball. Include wicketkeepers like Devon Conway (NZ) for consistent scoring.
Small Leagues should choose Rashid Khan as captain. For Grand Leagues, risk-taking picks like Kane Williamson could boost rankings. Avoid players with recent injuries or poor form.
List of Safe Picks
- Rashid Khan (AFG)
- Mitchell Santner (NZ)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)
NZ vs AFG Head-to-Head ODI Record
New Zealand has won all 3 ODIs against Afghanistan. Their strong batting lineup dominated past matches. Afghanistan aims to break this streak in the Champions Trophy warm-up.
NZ vs AFG ODI History
| Matches | NZ Wins | AFG Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Afghanistan’s improved spin attack might challenge NZ this time. Key battles include Rashid vs Williamson and Farooqi vs Conway.
Expert Predictions for Champions Trophy 2025
The warm-up match hints at team strategies for the main event. NZ’s recent ODI wins make them strong contenders. Afghanistan’s spin-heavy squad could upset bigger teams.
Players like Glenn Phillips (NZ) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG) need to perform well here. Their form will impact their teams’ Champions Trophy chances.
Bold Prediction: Afghanistan will target top 4 finish in the tournament. New Zealand aims to win their first Champions Trophy title.
How to Build a Winning Dream11 Team
Use a 2-3-3-3 combination (2 keepers, 3 batters, 3 all-rounders, 3 bowlers). This balances points across all skills. Check player roles before finalizing your team.
Sample Team for Small Leagues
- Captain: Rashid Khan
- Vice-Captain: Glenn Phillips
- Key Picks: Gurbaz, Santner, Farooqi
For Grand Leagues, try risky picks like Michael Bracewell (NZ) or Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG). These players could deliver high points if they perform.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Champions Trophy
The NZ vs AFG warm-up match is a crucial practice for both teams. Fans get a preview of key players and strategies for the main event. Expect a thrilling game in Karachi!
The 2025 Champions Trophy starts soon, with eight teams competing for glory. New Zealand and Afghanistan will use this match to fix weaknesses. Stay tuned for more updates!
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
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