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Top 3 batters to watch out for in PAK vs NZ Match 1
Mitchell Santner-led new-look New Zealand will face the hosts and defending champions Pakistan in the inaugural game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Karachi’s National Stadium will host this game tomorrow, February 19, at 2:30 PM (IST). It will be a crucial game for both teams to start their journey in the tournament on a winning note.
Pakistan have been through ups and downs in their last five ODIs, winning three games while losing two. They are coming off a 5-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the final of the recently concluded ODI tri-nation series. The Men in Green will aim to win their campaign opener against the Blackcaps.
On the other hand, New Zealand are enjoying a brilliant run of form in their last five ODI appearances, winning four games while losing only one. They defeated Mohammad Rizwan’s Pakistan in the final of the recently concluded tri-nation series to win the title. They will also look ahead to continue their winning streak with success in the Champions Trophy 2025’s tournament opener.
Having said that, here we’ll look at the top 3 batters to watch out for in the Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 Match 1.
Here’s a look at the top 3 batters to watch out for in PAK vs NZ Match 1:
Kane Williamson
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The former New Zealand skipper and the modern-day batting great Kane Williamson ended up as the second leading run-scorer in the recently concluded ODI tri-nation series in Pakistan. Besides, he was also the leading run-scorer for New Zealand in the series.
Williamson scored 225 runs in three innings, including an unbeaten appearance and registering an outstanding average of 112.50. He also scored a century and a half-century with the bat, hitting 23 fours and three sixes with the bat. The 34-year-old will be one of the top 3 batters to watch out for in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 game between Pakistan and New Zealand.
Salman Agha
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Pakistan’s star batting all-rounder Salman Agha was one of the most successful batters among all teams in the ODI tri-nation series between Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa. He was the leading run-scorer for the hosts Pakistan in the series owing to his sensational batting performances throughout the series.
Agha scored 219 runs in three innings, with a sensational batting average of 73.00, hitting a century. He also smashed 19 fours and four sixes, winning the ‘Player of the Match award’ for his amazing all-round performances in the tri-nation series.
Glenn Phillips
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New Zealand’s blistering batting all-rounder Glenn Phillips was the only batter in the entire ODI tri-nation series who went unbeaten in all three batting appearances. Phillips scored 154 runs in three innings, being unbeaten in all three appearances, hitting an unbeaten century.
The 28-year-old happened to be the most consistent batter for New Zealand in the tri-nation series. He can score some crucial runs in the middle overs to help his side post a big total on the board. So, Phillips might leave a big impact with the bat in the game against Pakistan.