Champions Trophy is finally upon us. The white-ball ICC tournament of the year gets underway with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the tournament opener at the National Stadium in Karachi. While Pakistan have the home advantage, the Black Caps are fresh of a tri-nation series win that also involved South Africa. The Kiwis registered a win over Pakistan in the final, having beaten them once in the league stage before. That means if recent form is anything to go by, New Zealand would be a serious force to reckon with. However, they have been dealt with a big blow with a last-minute injury to Lockie Ferguson. Match details Date: February 19, 2025
Time: 02:30 PM (Indian Standard Time)
Venue: National Stadium in Karachi
Where to watch on TV?: Star Sports Network, Sports 18 channels
Live Streaming: JioHotstar Pitch Report The new stadium in Karachi is expected to have a good batting strip. The two matches played at this venue in the Tri-series saw the chasing team emerging victorious. While Pakistan chased down 352 with an over to go in the first of the two clashes at this venue, in the final, BlackCaps got to their target of 243 in 45.2 overs. One can expect a high-scoring fixture. Weather report The weather is likely to hover around the 29 Degree Celsius mark with a humidity upwards of 50 per cent. There is negligible chances of rain and the weather is unlikely to interrupt the first match of the first ICC even on Pakistan soil in nearly 3 decades.Original Article