Champions Trophy 2025: National Stadium, Karachi Pitch Report & Key Stats Ahead of Pakistan vs New Zealand Match
National Stadium in Karachi is hosting the opening match of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
PAK vs NZ Pitch Report: Pakistan and New Zealand are set to face off in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19 (Wednesday). This match is historic as Pakistan hosts an ICC event after 29 years, making it a special occasion for fans.
Pakistan, the defending champions, will look to start their campaign with a win. However, New Zealand, having beaten them twice in their recent tri-nation series, will look to continue their dominance.
As the teams gear up for this high-stakes encounter, the pitch conditions at Karachi will play a crucial role in determining the match outcome. Let’s take a detailed look at the National Stadium Karachi pitch report and ODI records at this venue.
National Stadium Karachi Pitch Report
The pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi is known for being batting-friendly, offering good bounce and pace for shot-making. Batters generally find it easy to score runs here, especially in the first innings.
- Ideal Decision at Toss: Captains usually prefer to bat first as the pitch remains good for scoring throughout the match.
- Batting Advantage: The average first innings score is 239, while the second innings average is 205.
- Pace vs Spin: Fast bowlers can find some movement with the new ball, but spinners tend to get more assistance later in the match.
- Chasing Factor: The surface does not change much, making chasing a viable option. However, teams batting first have had success too.
Weather Conditions & Impact on Play
The weather in Karachi is expected to be pleasant, meaning there will be no external factors like rain affecting play. Unlike some other venues, dew is not a major concern at the National Stadium, so both teams can plan their strategies without worrying about wet conditions in the evening.
National Stadium Karachi ODI Records
The National Stadium in Karachi has hosted 78 ODIs, with teams batting first winning 36 times, while teams bowling first have won 39 times.
Overall ODI Stats at National Stadium, Karachi
- Total Matches Played: 78
- Matches Won Batting First: 36
- Matches Won Bowling First: 39
- Average 1st Innings Score: 239
- Average 2nd Innings Score: 205
- Highest Team Total: 374/4 (India vs Hong Kong)
- Lowest Team Total: 93/10 (Pakistan Women vs Sri Lanka Women)
- Highest Successful Run Chase: 355/4 (Pakistan vs South Africa)
Pakistan & New Zealand’s ODI Records at Karachi
Pakistan at National Stadium, Karachi
- Matches Played: 49
- Matches Won: 26
- Matches Lost: 21
New Zealand at National Stadium, Karachi
- Matches Played: 9
- Matches Won: 5
- Matches Lost: 4
Highest ODI Totals at National Stadium, Karachi
| Team | Score | Overs | Against | Match Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 374/4 | 50 | Hong Kong | 25/06/08 | Won |
| West Indies | 360/4 | 50 | West Indies | 13/10/87 | Won |
| Pakistan | 355/4 | 49 | South Africa | 12/02/25 | Won |
| Pakistan | 353/6 | 50 | Pakistan | 15/12/05 | Won |
| South Africa | 352/5 | 50 | Pakistan | 12/02/25 | Lost |
What to Expect in PAK vs NZ Match?
- The pitch is excellent for batting, and teams should target for a score of 280+ to feel safe.
- Fast bowlers might get early movement, but the surface will mostly favor batters.
- Spinners can be effective in the middle overs, especially as the ball gets older.
- Dew will not be a major factor, so teams will decide their playing XI purely based on pitch conditions.
With both teams having strong batting lineups, expect a high-scoring contest in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener.
