Karachi: Pakistan and cricket fans’ 29-year-long wait is finally over. Who will dominate whom? Both teams have prepared well. The battle for the Champions Trophy begins today. Pakistan is fully ready to host an ICC event after 29 years. The Green Shirts not only have to defend their Champions Trophy title but also live up to the expectations of their home crowd.
Pakistan-India Clash on February 23 in Dubai
The top 8 cricket teams in the world will compete for the championship, while the highly anticipated Pakistan-India clash will take place on February 23 in Dubai. Fans will enjoy world-class cricket in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
For cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan, this moment is nothing short of a dream turning into reality. The opening match of the event will be played at National Stadium Karachi, where hosts Pakistan and New Zealand will face off. The match will start at 2 PM (Pakistan time). Before the first match, a grand opening ceremony will be held, featuring an aerial display by the Pakistan Air Force.
Confident New Zealand Meets Resolute Pakistan
New Zealand enters the tournament with high morale after winning both matches in the Tri-Series, but the host team, Pakistan, is determined to settle the score. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will be the key players for Pakistan, while captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha are also expected to perform well in the batting.
Bowlers will need to contain the runs, and Shaheen Afridi will have Haris Rauf, who has regained fitness, to support him. However, the final decision on his inclusion will be made before the match. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed are also eager to make an impact. On the other hand, the Kiwi squad, led by Kane Williamson, is packed with match-winners. The Karachi pitch is expected to favor batting.
Champions Trophy: One Change Expected in Pakistan’s Playing XI for Opener
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will kick off with Pakistan vs. New Zealand in Karachi, and there is a possible change in Pakistan’s playing XI. During the Tri-Series against South Africa and New Zealand, fast bowler Haris Rauf sustained an injury, leading to Faheem Ashraf replacing him in the final match. However, sources confirm that Haris Rauf is now fully fit and will likely replace Faheem Ashraf, meaning Pakistan will field three fast bowlers and one spinner in the opening match.
Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam will open the innings, followed by Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Salman Ali Agha (Vice-Captain), Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Abrar.
The Karachi pitch is favorable for batting, and both teams had separate practice sessions yesterday. The excitement among fans is high, with all tickets sold out days in advance. A full-house crowd is expected at the stadium today.
