Match Overview
The precursor to the Champions Trophy 2025 sees New Zealand and South Africa travel to Pakistan for a short tri-series. The opening match features Pakistan against the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-finalists, New Zealand. The match will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on February 8, 2025, at 2:30 PM IST.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Match Details
- Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Tri-Series 2024-25
- Date & Time: February 8, 2025 | 2:30 PM IST | 09:00 AM GMT
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Live Streaming: Sony Sports, PTV Sports, Spark Sport
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Recent Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches Played | Pakistan Won | New Zealand Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 115 | 61 | 51 | 3 |
- Recent Form (Last 6 Matches):
- Pakistan: ✅✅✅✅✅❌
- New Zealand: ❌✅✅❌❌✅
- Pakistan has won 5 of the last 6 ODIs against New Zealand.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Team Performance & Analysis
Pakistan Team Overview
Pakistan enters this series after a dominant whitewash over South Africa away from home. Prior to that, they beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in their home series. The team is currently ranked No. 3 in ODIs and has won each of its last three ODI series.
Pakistan’s Recent ODI Matches:
| Opponent | Result |
| South Africa | Won 3-0 |
| Zimbabwe | Won 2-1 |
| New Zealand | Won 4-1 |
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI
- Fakhar Zaman
- Usman Khan
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk)
- Kamran Ghulam
- Salman Agha
- Tayyab Tahir
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Haris Rauf
Key Players to Watch:
- Mohammad Rizwan: The Pakistan captain averages 50 in his last 10 ODIs.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Has 20 wickets in just 9 ODIs against New Zealand.
- Fakhar Zaman: Needs just 41 runs to complete 1000 runs vs New Zealand.
New Zealand Team Overview
New Zealand comes into this series after a mixed run of form. They played two 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, winning 2-1 at home but losing 0-2 away. In their last series against Pakistan and South Africa, they suffered defeats.
New Zealand’s Recent ODI Matches:
| Opponent | Result |
| Sri Lanka (Home) | Won 2-1 |
| Sri Lanka (Away) | Lost 0-2 |
| Pakistan | Lost 1-4 |
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Nathan Smith
- Matt Henry
- Will O’Rourke
Key Players to Watch:
- Will Young: Scored 456 runs in his last 9 ODIs at an average of 65.
- Matt Henry: Took 9 wickets in the recent series vs Sri Lanka.
- Rachin Ravindra: A reliable all-rounder who can be a game-changer.
Pitch & Weather Conditions at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Average First Innings Score: 252 runs
- Average Wickets Per Match: 9
- Weather Forecast: Sunny, 18-22°C, with no rain expected.
Pitch Report
- The Gaddafi Stadium pitch has remained batting-friendly with an average score of 252 runs.
- In the last 10 ODIs, teams batting second have found chasing easier.
- Pacers might get early swing, but the surface generally aids batters as the match progresses.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Toss Prediction
- Pakistan has chosen to chase in all three ODIs they played at this venue in recent years.
- Teams batting first & second have won equally (3-3) in the last 6 ODIs.
- New Zealand might opt to bowl first to put Pakistan under pressure early.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Top Betting Predictions
Top Batsmen Predictions
- Mohammad Rizwan is expected to be Pakistan’s top scorer, averaging 50 in his last 10 ODIs.
- Will Young is likely to be New Zealand’s top batsman, averaging over 65 in his last 9 ODIs.
Top Bowler Predictions
- Shaheen Shah Afridi is Pakistan’s best bet, with two 4-wicket hauls against New Zealand.
- Matt Henry will be key for the Kiwis, having taken wickets in 4 of his last 5 ODIs in Pakistan.
Match Winner Prediction
- Pakistan Chance of Winning: 62%
- New Zealand Chance of Winning: 38%
- Odds:
- Pakistan to Win – 1.60 (Parimatch)
- New Zealand to Win – 2.34 (Parimatch)
Prediction:
Given their dominant form, home advantage, and recent strong record against New Zealand, Pakistan are favorites to win this match.