Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan vs New Zealand Match Live Score: 29-Year Hiatus Ends As Cricket Fever Returns To Pakistan

PAK vs NZ Live: Here’s what Rizwan said before the game

Pakistan captain, Mohammad Rizwan said, “A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years, so I believe the entire nation is celebrating this historic occasion. There are no doubts about our performance, we have worked hard and learned from our mistakes. We hope that we play well tomorrow Insha’Allah. Our sole focus is on winning the tournament for the country and our people and we hope that we achieve the desired results.”

PAK vs NZ Live: Dominating New Zealand

New Zealand, placed in Group A along with India, Bangladesh, and host Pakistan, will look to clinch their second Champions Trophy title after 2000. However, in the recent ICC tournaments, the team has established themselves as a force to reckon with in the title battle.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live: Pakistan’s twin losses vs NZ

Pakistan will not be getting overconfident in the build-up to the first ICC tournament taking place in the country since 1996 as they suffered two consecutive losses against New Zealand in the Tri-nation ODI Series in Pakistan in the build-up to the tournament.

Champions Trophy 2025 Live: Defending champions Pakistan

Pakistan enter the tournament as the defending champions, having beaten India in the final of the 2017 edition, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed. Fakhar Zaman was the Player of the Final for his imperious 114 off 106 deliveries, while Hasan Ali was named the Player of the Tournament for his tally of 13 wickets in five games.

Pakistan vs New Zealand Live Score: Hosts Pakistan Face In-Form New Zealand

Pakistan couldn’t quite impress as they squared off against New Zealand and South Africa in the recently-concluded tri-series. The Kiwis won all of their matches as they emerge triumphant to take the trophy home. However, the series was only a preparatory assignment, aimed at understanding the conditions in Pakistan. Will New Zealand continue their red-hot form or Pakistan will bank on home advantage to sail through?

Champions Trophy 2025 Live: 29-Year-Long Wait Ends For Pakistan

For the first time in 29 years, Pakistan are hosting an ICC event. Over the course of the last two decades, the country has had a lot to face, especially after the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lanka team in Pakistan. The PCB has claimed that Pakistan is as safe as any other country for sporting activities. The board’s claims will be put to test in the coming weeks.