The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to ignite cricketing passions as top teams vie for supremacy. Among the most anticipated clashes is the encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand, scheduled for February 19 in Karachi. Both teams have announced their squads, each brimming with talent and strategic depth. This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of the two squads, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and key players.
Team Overviews
Pakistan’s Squad Overview
Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 is a blend of experience and emerging talent. The team is led by wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar Azam, one of the world’s premier batsmen, providing substantial support. The inclusion of Fakhar Zaman adds firepower to the top order, while all-rounders like Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah offer balance. The bowling attack is formidable, featuring pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, complemented by spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Notably, the selection of Faheem Ashraf has sparked debate among former cricketers, with some labeling it a “political selection” due to his recent form.
New Zealand’s Squad Overview
New Zealand enters the tournament under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner, known for his all-round capabilities. The batting lineup boasts the likes of Devon Conway and Kane Williamson, providing both stability and flair. The pace attack is spearheaded by Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, while the spin department is strengthened by Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra. All-rounders Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips add depth to both batting and bowling departments.
The squad reflects a strategic balance, aiming to adapt to various match situations and conditions.
Detailed Squad Analysis
Batting Line-up
Pakistan’s batting lineup is anchored by Babar Azam, whose consistency and technique make him a pivotal figure. Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive style complements Babar’s approach, potentially forming a dynamic opening pair. The middle order, featuring Saud Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir, is tasked with providing stability and accelerating the innings as needed.
In contrast, New Zealand’s batting strength lies in its versatility. Devon Conway’s adaptability across formats, coupled with Kane Williamson’s experience, forms a solid top order. The middle order is bolstered by the explosive capabilities of Glenn Phillips and the reliability of Tom Latham.
Bowling Attack
Pakistan’s bowling arsenal is spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose ability to swing the ball at pace poses a significant threat. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah add further pace options, while Abrar Ahmed’s spin provides variety.
New Zealand’s bowling attack is led by the express pace of Lockie Ferguson, with Matt Henry offering control and consistency. Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin, along with Michael Bracewell’s off-spin, adds depth to the spin department.
All-Round Strength
Pakistan’s inclusion of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah provides the team with valuable all-round options, contributing to both batting and bowling departments.
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips offer similar versatility, capable of making impactful contributions in various facets of the game.
Captaincy & Leadership
Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership for Pakistan is characterized by his proactive approach and on-field energy. His dual role as captain and wicketkeeper allows him to maintain a close perspective on the game’s dynamics.
Mitchell Santner, leading New Zealand, brings a calm demeanor and strategic acumen, aiming to guide his team through challenging situations with composure.
Head-to-Head & Tactical Considerations
Past Encounters
Historically, Pakistan and New Zealand have shared a competitive rivalry. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Pakistan holds a slight edge with 55 wins to New Zealand’s 48.
In T20 Internationals, Pakistan has been more dominant, winning 18 out of 29 matches.
Tactical Match-ups
A key battle to watch will be between Pakistan’s top-order batsmen and New Zealand’s new-ball bowlers. Shaheen Afridi’s opening spell against New Zealand’s top order could set the tone for the match.
Pitch & Conditions
The match in Karachi is expected to offer a pitch that supports both batsmen and bowlers, with early assistance for pacers and potential turn for spinners as the game progresses.
Expert Opinions and Predictions
Former cricketers have expressed varied opinions on the squads. Some have criticized Pakistan’s selection choices, while others see potential in the blend of youth and experience.
New Zealand’s squad has been praised for its balance and depth, with expectations of a strong performance in the tournament.
Side-by-Side highlighting their roles and recent statistics
| Pakistan | Role | ODI Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan (c, wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | 47 | 1,235 | 32.50 | N/A | N/A |
| Babar Azam | Batsman | 89 | 4,664 | 59.80 | N/A | N/A |
| Fakhar Zaman | Opening Batsman | 67 | 2,580 | 45.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler | 49 | 133 | 10.23 | 95 | 23.60 |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler | 27 | 45 | 7.50 | 50 | 28.00 |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler | 15 | 30 | 6.00 | 25 | 22.80 |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-Rounder | 31 | 400 | 20.00 | 23 | 35.00 |
| Khushdil Shah | All-Rounder | 10 | 200 | 25.00 | 5 | 40.00 |
| Saud Shakeel | Batsman | 5 | 150 | 30.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Tayyab Tahir | Batsman | 2 | 60 | 30.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Kamran Ghulam | All-Rounder | 3 | 75 | 25.00 | 2 | 45.00 |
| Salman Ali Agha | All-Rounder | 10 | 250 | 31.25 | 8 | 32.50 |
| Usman Khan | Batsman | 1 | 20 | 20.00 | N/A | N/A |
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowler | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Mohammad Hasnain | Bowler | 18 | 50 | 10.00 | 29 | 32.00 |
| New Zealand | Role | ODI Matches | Runs | Batting Average | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Santner (c) | All-Rounder | 93 | 1,020 | 27.56 | 81 | 36.00 |
| Kane Williamson | Batsman | 161 | 6,173 | 47.83 | N/A | N/A |
| Devon Conway | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | 30 | 1,232 | 55.90 | N/A | N/A |
| Tom Latham | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | 121 | 3,380 | 35.47 | N/A | N/A |
| Glenn Phillips | All-Rounder | 20 | 600 | 33.33 | 10 | 40.00 |
| Daryl Mitchell | All-Rounder | 25 | 850 | 40.47 | 15 | 35.00 |
| Michael Bracewell | All-Rounder | 19 | 500 | 31.25 | 20 | 30.00 |
| Rachin Ravindra | All-Rounder | 10 | 300 | 37.50 | 12 | 28.00 |
| Lockie Ferguson | Bowler | 53 | 100 | 10.00 | 85 | 25.00 |
| Matt Henry | Bowler | 70 | 150 | 12.50 | 110 | 26.00 |
| Mark Chapman | Batsman | 25 | 700 | 33.33 | N/A | N/A |
| Will Young | Batsman | 15 | 450 | 32.14 | N/A | N/A |
| Ben Sears | Bowler | 5 | 20 | 10.00 | 8 | 35.00 |
| Nathan Smith | All-Rounder | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| William O’Rourke | Bowler | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Note: Statistics are based on available data up to February 2025. Some players may have limited international exposure, and their statistics reflect their early careers.
This comparison highlights the experience and form of key players from both teams, providing insights into their potential impact in the upcoming tournament.
In conclusion, the Pakistan vs. New Zealand clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing their unique strengths to the fore. The outcome may hinge on key battles and strategic decisions made on the day.
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
