LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) – New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has acknowledged that Pakistan’s explosive opener Fakhar Zaman poses a significant challenge for the Black Caps ahead of their crucial matches in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
As part of their preparations, New Zealand is set to face Pakistan in a tri-series, which serves as a warm-up before their Champions Trophy opener against the hosts in Karachi on February 19.
New Zealand Prepares for Karachi Conditions
Speaking on Friday, Santner emphasized the importance of playing in similar conditions before the high-stakes tournament.
“It’s good prep for us,” said Santner. “Lahore might play slightly different to Karachi, but a game against Pakistan in similar conditions to what we’re going to face for the first match in Karachi is obviously a great lead-in.”
New Zealand, however, is dealing with some injury concerns. Express pacer Lockie Ferguson remains a fitness doubt, prompting the team to fly in Jacob Duffy as backup for the tri-series.
Fakhar Zaman: A Major Concern for New Zealand
While New Zealand boasts a solid squad, Santner admitted that Fakhar Zaman has historically been a thorn in their side.
“He’s a problem for us,” Santner said. “He likes playing against New Zealand. I think he’s scored runs every time he has faced us. Along with a lot of their top six and top seven batters, we know it’s going to be a challenge, but we are ready.”
Zaman was instrumental in Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 victory over New Zealand in Bangalore, where his explosive batting dismantled the Black Caps in a high-scoring encounter. New Zealand will need to come up with a strategy to contain him in the upcoming matches.
South Africa Names Champions Trophy Squad; Key Players to Join Late
Meanwhile, South Africa has announced its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with several key players set to arrive in Pakistan after the tri-series final.
Key South African players joining later:
- Marco Jansen
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram
- David Miller
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tristan Stubbs
Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen will be available from South Africa’s second tri-series match against Pakistan in Karachi on February 12.
Injury Setback for South Africa
South Africa’s Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of both the tri-series and the Champions Trophy due to a groin injury, delivering a major blow to their bowling attack.
In Coetzee’s absence, South Africa will field several uncapped players in the tri-series, including:
- Meeka-eel Prince (batter)
- Eathan Bosch (pace bowler)
- Gideon Peters (pace bowler)
- Mihlali Mpongwana (all-rounder)
Conclusion
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, New Zealand is sharpening its preparations against a strong Pakistan team. With injury concerns looming, Santner’s side will need to overcome challenges and counter Pakistan’s in-form batters like Fakhar Zaman. Meanwhile, South Africa faces its own challenges, with several players joining late and a key pacer ruled out.
Cricket fans can look forward to an exciting battle between New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa in the upcoming tri-series, setting the stage for an intense Champions Trophy campaign.
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