Pakistan and New Zealand are set to clash on February 8, 2025, as they kick off the ODI Tri-Series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This much-anticipated match, starting at 2:30 PM IST, will serve as not only the inauguration of the series but also set the tone for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy.
The newly refurbished Gaddafi Stadium, known for its electrifying atmosphere, will host the opening game, which also features South Africa as the third team. Cricket fans are particularly interested as this series could highlight squad combinations and individual performances on the road to the Champions Trophy, scheduled to commence soon after.
This tri-series serves as the perfect opportunity for both teams to iron out strategies and strengthen their form. With both Pakistan and New Zealand featuring competitive line-ups, many eyes will be on how they adapt to the playing conditions and perform under pressure.
Pakistan, under the leadership of captain Mohammad Rizwan, is entering the series riding high on confidence after winning three consecutive ODI series against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Rizwan's recent success includes impressive batting performances, and he will spearhead the batting alongside top-order players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman.
“It’s going to be important for us to be consistent, especially heading toward the Champions Trophy,” Rizwan noted during the pre-match press conference. His sentiments highlight the significance of this series as groundwork for the future.
On the other hand, New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, aims to regain its competitive edge following varying performances. With seasoned players like Kane Williamson and Devon Conway taking key roles, the Kiwis are expected to field strong batting depth against Pakistan's formidable bowling attack.
“This is not just another series; it’s about building momentum for the ICC Champions Trophy,” Santner remarked, emphasizing the importance of every match. His leadership alongside experience from players like Williamson will play a pivotal role as New Zealand navigates the challenges of subcontinental conditions.
Both teams have made strategic adjustments leading up to the series opener. Pakistan's Babar Azam will open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman, marking Babar's return to the top of the order for the first time since 2015—an exciting development for the fans. Meanwhile, New Zealand's squad is highlighted by Rachin Ravindra and Will Young opening the batting.
This year, the Gaddafi Stadium promises to offer conditions conducive to both batting and seam bowling, with expectations of high scores. A pitch known for being flat suggests exciting batting displays and challenging conditions for bowlers, particularly as the match progresses.
Fans interested in watching the match have several options. The match will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network for Indian viewers, and can also be streamed live on platforms like FanCode and JioTV. For those tuning in from Pakistan, A Sports, Ten Sports, and PTV Sports will provide coverage, with the action available on streaming services such as Tamasha and MYCO.
Here’s the key information about the first ODI match:
- Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand
- Date: February 8, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM IST / 2:00 PM PKT
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Toss Time: 2:00 PM IST / 1:30 PM PKT
With both teams expected to fight fiercely for victory, spectators can look forward to thrilling cricket action. Notably, this series is pivotal for both teams as they build momentum heading toward the Champions Trophy. Cricket enthusiasts globally will be watching closely to gauge the strengths and weaknesses showcased by these two cricketing giants.
Pakistan's squad for the tri-series includes: Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Rizwan (C & WK), Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, and Faheem Ashraf.
New Zealand has brought its best with players such as Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (C), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Will Young.
Fans and experts alike will be eagerly watching as this tri-series opener sets the stage for intense cricket competition and sparks excitement as we move closer to the prestigious Champions Trophy.