Match Details:
Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Hybrid Model)
Date & Time: Wednesday, 19 February 2025, 2:30 PM IST
Venue: National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi, Pakistan
Where to Watch in India: Sports 18, Star Sports Network, JioCinema, Hotstar
Pitch Report:
The National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi has historically been a balanced pitch, offering assistance to both batters and bowlers. The average first-innings score is around 239, while the second-innings average drops to 201, indicating that batting first could be beneficial. Pacers and spinners have almost equal impact, with 65 wickets (46%) going to pacers and 76 wickets (54%) to spinners in recent matches.
The highest total at the venue is 355/4, chased down successfully by Pakistan against South Africa, while the lowest total defended is 290/8 by Sri Lanka against Pakistan. Expect a competitive contest between bat and ball.
Team Preview:
Pakistan:
The hosts enter the tournament with a mixed run of form (L, W, L, W, W). Their batting revolves around captain Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Fakhar Zaman, while their bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, will look to exploit home conditions.
Pakistan's recent win percentage (70%) in the last 10 matches shows their strong performance. However, their head-to-head record with New Zealand is evenly poised (5-5), with the Kiwis winning two out of the last three encounters convincingly.
New Zealand:
New Zealand comes into the match with good form (W, W, W, L, W). Their batting lineup, led by Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips, has been in excellent touch. The all-round strength of Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell adds depth to the squad.
New Zealand has a 60% win percentage in their last 10 games and a lower average score of 224 compared to Pakistan’s 238. However, their ability to perform under pressure makes them a formidable opponent.
Key Players:
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Agha Salman, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
New Zealand: Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Mark Chapman, Will Young, William O'Rourke
Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Top Picks for Small Leagues:
Mohammad Rizwan (PAK - WK) – Consistent performer, capable of anchoring the innings.
Devon Conway (NZ - WK) – Solid at the top order, good recent form.
Kane Williamson (NZ - BAT) – Experienced and reliable in big matches.
Fakhar Zaman (PAK - BAT) – Can provide an explosive start.
Mitchell Santner (NZ - AR) – Contributes with both bat and ball.
Shaheen Afridi (PAK - BALL) – Wicket-taking ability in powerplay and death overs.
Top Picks for Grand Leagues:
Agha Salman (PAK - AR) – Can be an X-factor player.
Glenn Phillips (NZ - AR) – Capable of making an impact in both departments.
Faheem Ashraf (PAK - AR) – Useful lower-order batter and handy bowler.
Mark Chapman (NZ - BAT) – Can accelerate in the middle overs.
Matt Henry (NZ - BALL) – Wicket-taking ability in any phase of the game.
Predicted Fantasy XI:
Small League Team:
WK: Mohammad Rizwan, Devon Conway
BAT: Kane Williamson, Fakhar Zaman, Mark Chapman
ALL: Mitchell Santner, Agha Salman, Glenn Phillips
BOWL: Shaheen Afridi, Matt Henry, Haris Rauf
Grand League Team:
WK: Mohammad Rizwan
BAT: Kane Williamson, Mark Chapman, Will Young
ALL: Agha Salman (C), Glenn Phillips, Faheem Ashraf
BOWL: Shaheen Afridi, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Naseem Shah
Match Prediction:
New Zealand has had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning two of the last three matches by significant margins. However, playing in home conditions and with a strong bowling attack, Pakistan will be tough to beat. Given the fan poll (PAK 40% - NZ 60%), the contest seems evenly matched, but New Zealand’s recent consistency gives them a slight edge.
Predicted Winner: New Zealand (52% probability), but Pakistan’s strong bowling attack at home could turn the tide.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis!
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