Champions Trophy, PAK vs NZ: Pitch report and key stats of National Stadium

Given the conditions, bowling first is advisable, as dew may become a factor in the second innings. While spinners might find some assistance, this will only come once the ball has aged a bit.

Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy at the National Stadium in Karachi. Having lost both encounters against New Zealand in the recent tri-nation series, Pakistan will feel the pressure going into this game. Meanwhile, the Black Caps, who emerged as champions in the tri-nation tournament, will be in a more relaxed mood, with things going their way despite missing several key players.

 

For New Zealand, former captain Kane Williamson had a standout performance, amassing 225 runs across three matches, including a century against South Africa and a half-century against Pakistan during the group stage. On the bowling front, Will O'Rourke was exceptional with six wickets, while Matt Henry contributed with five. However, the pace spearhead, Lockie Ferguson, has been ruled out of the tournament after failing to recover in time.  Check all latest updates on Champions Trophy 2025 here

 

 

Pakistan's captain Mohammad Rizwan confirmed that Babar Azam will open the batting alongside Fakhar Zaman. While Azam has struggled with the bat recently, the team management remains confident in his ability to perform in the Champions Trophy. Rizwan himself has been in good form, and players like Salman Agha could be crucial for Pakistan's chances. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will once again shoulder the bowling responsibilities. 

 

National Stadium Pitch Report 

Cricket experts Bazid Khan and Matthew Hayden have provided their insights on the pitch conditions in Karachi, highlighting a dry surface with numerous cracks, which could make for an intriguing contest between bat and ball.

 

The boundary dimensions suggest a varied challenge for batters. The off-side boundary measures 62 metres for right-handers, while the leg-side boundary extends to 67 metres, with a longer straight boundary down the ground.

 

While the pitch looks good for batting, previous matches at the venue have produced mixed results in run chases. Experts believe a competitive first-innings total should be around 300 runs, given the conditions.

 

With cracks and dry patches in the good-length area, spinners are expected to have a significant impact, especially as the game progresses. The key battle will be how batters approach the shorter side of the ground, which could influence their shot selection and scoring strategies.

 

Key stats of National Stadium, Karachi  In 78 matches at the National Stadium, Karachi, teams have seen varied results. The side batting first has won 36 times, while the team bowling first has triumphed on 39 occasions. The average first innings score is 239, while the second innings average is 205.  The highest total ever recorded was 374/4 in 50 overs by India against Hong Kong, and the lowest total was 93/10 in 40.4 overs by Pakistan Women against Sri Lanka Women. The highest successful chase was 355/4 by Pakistan against South Africa, while Sri Lanka Women defended the lowest total of 123/10 against Pakistan Women. 

PAK vs NZ ODI Stats at National Stadium, Karachi
Matches	Pakistan	New Zealand
Matches Played	49	9
Matches Won	26	5
Matches Lost	21	4

 

Highest ODI totals at National Stadium, Karachi
Team	Score	Overs	RR	Inns	Opposition	Ground	Result	Match Date
India	374/4	50	7.48	1	India	Karachi	won	25/06/08
West Indies	360/4	50	7.2	1	West Indies	Karachi	won	13/10/87
Pakistan	355/4	49	7.24	2	Pakistan	Karachi	won	12/02/25
Pakistan	353/6	50	7.06	1	Pakistan	Karachi	won	15/12/05
South Africa	352/5	50	7.04	1	South Africa	Karachi	lost	12/02/25
India	349/7	50	6.98	1	India	Karachi	won	13/03/04
Pakistan	347/5	50	6.94	1	Pakistan	Karachi	won	21/01/08
Pakistan	344/8	50	6.88	2	Pakistan	Karachi	lost	13/03/04
Pakistan	334/6	50	6.68	1	Pakistan	Karachi	won	05/05/23
Sri Lanka	332/8	50	6.64	1	Sri Lanka	Karachi	won	30/06/08