PAK vs NZ: Top 3 Player Battles to watch out for in Champions Trophy 2025

Hosts and defending champions Pakistan will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 tournament with a massive game against New Zealand. The two teams have just played each other twice in the recently concluded Tri-series which saw the Kiwis beat the hosts twice. 

Both teams have won the tournament once and will want to make a strong start to the campaign. New Zealand won the Champions Trophy in its previous incarnation which was called the ICC Knockouts. Pakistan on the other hand had won the event in 2017 with Sarfaraz Ahmed leading the side. 

When the two sides get down to action on Wednesday there will be key battles to witness from both sides. New Zealand have been batting well with their top order especially giving their team great stars. Pakistan have always been a strong side at home and in front of a packed house in Karachi, one can expect huge fireworks to fly. 

Here are the top three player battles to watch out from PAK vs NZ Champions trophy match 

3- Babar Azam vs Matt Henry 

Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam hasn’t been in the greatest of form with the bat in recent times. The 30-year-old though will be relishing to play in the first ever ICC tournament in front of his home fans. Babar Azam will be opening the batting with Fakhar Zaman in the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament. Matt Henry has dismissed Babar Azam thrice along with Andile Phelukwayo and Adil Rashid. The Kiwi seamer has had a good record against the former Pakistani skipper in the ODI format. 

2- Devon Conway vs Abrar Ahmed 

New Zealand opener Devon Conway has been a steady performer for his side with the bat in hand. Conway has been able to play pace and seam bowling with relative ease and is a very good batter against spin bowling. Abrar Ahmed will have a huge challenge on his hands when playing against Conway who can play the convention sweep and the reverse sweep when needed. The left-handed batter also uses his feet well and this is where Abrar Ahmed’s acumen as a spinner will be tested. 

1- Mohammad Rizwan vs Mitchell Santner 

Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan has been in terrific form with the bat in the ODI format. Mitchell Santner on the other hand has been bowling well and can take wickets at regular intervals. In the head-to-head battles, Santner has dismissed Rizwan twice in ODI cricket. Mohammad Rizwan has always been one of the best players of spin in the Pakistan side and the battle between the two stars will be one to watch out for.