The Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st ODI of the 2025 Tri-Serie is set to begin on February 8 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Both teams aim to fine-tune strategies ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, making this match a critical warm-up. Pakistan, with a strong home record, faces New Zealand, known for adaptability. Let’s break down predictions, pitch behavior, and key players.
PAK vs NZ Match Details and Tri-Series Importance
- Date & Time: February 8, 2025 | 2:30 PM IST.
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (batting-friendly pitch).
- Weather: Clear skies, 18–22°C, no rain expected.
- Format: ODI (50 overs).
Why This Match Matters
- Champions Trophy Prep: Both teams use this tri-series to test combinations for the 2025 ICC event.
- Head-to-Head: Pakistan leads 61–51 in 116 ODIs. Recent form favors Pakistan (4 wins in last 5 ODIs).
Pitch Report: Gaddafi Stadium Analysis
Key Features of the Pitch
- Batting Paradise: Flat surface with small boundaries. Average 1st innings score: 252 .
- Dew Facto: Spinners struggle in the 2nd innings due to dew. Teams prefer chasing here.
- Toss Impact: Toss winner may opt to bat first to set a big total.
Gaddafi Stadium ODI Records
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 72 |
| Avg 1st Innings | 252 |
| Highest Total | 375/3 (PAK vs ZIM) |
| Best Chase | 349/4 (PAK vs AUS) |
Team Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses
Pakistan Squad
- Batting Power: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan anchor the lineup.
- Bowling Attack: Shaheen Afridi (119 ODI wickets) and Haris Rauf lead a fiery pace unit.
- Predicted XI:
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah.
New Zealand Squad
- Key Batters: Kane Williamson (6,810 ODI runs) and Rachin Ravindra (explosive all-rounder).
- Bowling Strategy: Mitchell Santner (spin) and Lockie Ferguson (pace) aim to disrupt Pakistan’s rhythm.
- Predicted XI:
Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Nathan Smith, Ben Sears.
Key Players to Watch
- Pakistan:
- Babar Azam (5,957 ODI runs) – Needs to regain form
- Shaheen Afridi – Deadly with new ball; 57 wickets since 2023 .
- New Zealand:
- Kane Williamson – Anchors innings under pressure.
- Mitchell Santner – Spin wizard; crucial in middle overs
Match and Toss Predictions
- Pakistan is likely to win the toss and bat first.
Score Scenarios
- PAK Bat First: 270–300 runs (strong total due to batting depth).
- NZ Bat First: 240–260 runs (Pakistan’s bowlers restrict flow) .
Winner Prediction
- Pakistan (82% chance) – Home advantage, recent form, and stronger bowling.
Connecting to Champions Trophy 2025
This tri-series serves as a testing ground for both teams. Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy and New Zealand’s adaptability will shape their Champions Trophy plans. A win here boosts morale and provides insights into opponent strategies for the ICC event .
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
