The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, with Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa playing a tri-nation series as preparation. The series will conclude on February 14, allowing teams to fine-tune their strategies.
Why This Tri-Nation Series is Crucial?
The warm-up matches will help teams adjust to the playing conditions. Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, believes this is the best preparation for the main event.
- Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa are playing a tri-nation series before the Champions Trophy.
- The series ends on February 14, just five days before the Champions Trophy.
- Pakistan vs New Zealand match will serve as a dress rehearsal for the tournament’s opening game.
Pakistan’s Recent Performance & Confidence Boost
Pakistan has struggled in all formats recently but has shown improvement. Under Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership, the team achieved notable victories.
- Pakistan won a historic series in Australia (2-1).
- They secured wins against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
- Pakistan inflicted South Africa’s first-ever home whitewash in December.
New Zealand’s Preparation for the Champions Trophy
New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, sees this series as a great opportunity to prepare. The conditions in Lahore are similar to Karachi, where they will face Pakistan in the tournament’s opening match.
- The team has a strong pace attack led by Tim Southee and Trent Boult.
- Additional pace options include Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, and Nathan Smith.
- Lockie Ferguson is recovering from injury and is unlikely to play.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: A Preview of the Champions Trophy Opener
Pakistan and New Zealand will clash on Saturday, February 8. This match will be a preview of their opening game in the Champions Trophy on February 19.
- Both teams will test playing conditions and squad combinations.
- Pakistan will rely on strong batting and spin attack.
- New Zealand will test their fast bowling strength.
Full Schedule of the Tri-Nation Series
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 8 | Pakistan vs New Zealand | Lahore |
| Feb 10 | New Zealand vs South Africa | Lahore |
| Feb 12 | Pakistan vs South Africa | Karachi |
| Feb 14 | Final | Karachi |
Pakistan’s Best Players to Watch
Pakistan will rely on key players to maintain their winning streak.
- Mohammad Rizwan – A consistent batsman and captain.
- Shaheen Afridi – A crucial fast bowler.
- Babar Azam – One of the best batters in the world.
New Zealand’s Key Players to Watch
New Zealand has a strong squad with both experience and young talent.
- Trent Boult & Tim Southee – Veteran pacers with 432 ODI wickets combined.
- Devon Conway – A dependable batsman.
- Mitchell Santner – Leading the team and providing all-round performance.
How This Series Shapes the Champions Trophy?
This series will determine the teams’ form before the Champions Trophy 2025. It will help Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa fine-tune their game plans.
- Pakistan will test their batting depth and spin attack.
- New Zealand will focus on their fast bowling strength.
- South Africa will analyze their squad balance.
Exciting Cricket Ahead
With the Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, this tri-nation series is the perfect preparation. Fans can expect high-quality cricket and thrilling matches.
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
