The first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is currently underway at the National Stadium in Karachi, with New Zealand facing Pakistan. New Zealand is batting first after Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bowl, citing the dew factor as a key influence on his decision. As of the latest updates, New Zealand has crossed the 100-run mark, with Will Young leading the charge and completing his half-century. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, including Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, have provided crucial breakthroughs, reducing New Zealand to 124/3 in 27 overs.

Key Highlights:

• Will Young’s Performance: Will Young has been the standout performer for New Zealand, reaching his half-century with six boundaries and a maximum. He continues to fight alone as other wickets fall around him.
• Pakistan’s Bowling: Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf have been effective, providing the necessary breakthroughs. Haris Rauf, despite a recent injury, is back in action and has already taken a wicket.
• Injury Update: Fakhar Zaman, the Pakistani opener, had to leave the field early due to an injury sustained while fielding. Kamran Ghulam has replaced him.
• Pitch Conditions: The pitch at the National Stadium is expected to be batting-friendly, with the team chasing likely to have an advantage due to the dew factor in the second innings.
• Pre-Match Context: New Zealand enters the tournament with momentum, having defeated Pakistan twice in the recently concluded tri-series. Pakistan, the defending champions, will be looking to repeat their 2017 success under the new captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan.

Dream11 and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

• Captaincy Picks: Mohammad Rizwan and Kane Williamson are strong captaincy picks due to their recent form and leadership roles.
• Differential Picks: Tom Latham and Haris Rauf are underpicked players who could provide value in fantasy teams.
• Players to Avoid: Abrar Ahmed, who has struggled in recent matches, and Haris Rauf, who is returning from an injury, might be risky picks.

Match Details:

• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
• Start Time: 2:30 PM (local time)
• Broadcast: Sony Sports Networks and Sports18 Networks in India, with live streaming available on Jio Hotstar.

Team Lineups:

• Pakistan: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
• New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, William O’Rourke.

https://khelinfo.com/ Stay tuned for more updates as the match progresses