PAK vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025 LIVE Streaming: The D Day has finally arrived as the highly anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to begin. In the first encounter of this ICC tournament, defending Champions Pakistan will be squaring off against New Zealand in Karachi. Pakistan enter the tournament as the defending champions, having beaten India in the final of the 2017 edition, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed. However, Mohammad Rizwan and co will not be getting overconfident as they recently suffered two consecutive losses against New Zealand in the Tri-nation ODI Series in Pakistan.

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.

When will the Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 match take place?

The Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 match will take place on Wednesday, February 19.

Where will the Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 match be held?

The Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 match will be held at National Stadium, Karachi.

What time will the Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 match start?

The Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 match will start at 2:30 PM IST. The toss will take place at 2:00 PM IST.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 match?

The Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 match will be televised live on the Star Sports Network in India. In Pakistan and USA, the match will be televised live on PTV, Ten Sports and Willow TV respectively. 

Where to follow the live streaming of the Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 match?

The Pakistan vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2025 match will be live streamed on the Jio Hotstar app and website in India. In Pakistan and USA, live streaming of the match will be available on Myco, Tamasha App and Willow by Cricbuzz App respectively. 

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

With IANS Inputs

ICC Champions Trophy 2025, PAK vs NZ LIVE Updates© AFP

Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand will eye to turn the fortunes when they start their Champions Trophy campaign against host Pakistan in Karachi in the tournament opener on February 19. 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 itself as a force to reckon with in the title battle.

As New Zealand eye their maiden Champions Trophy triumph, here’s a SWOT analysis from IANS of the Kiwi side to give a clear perspective of their squad combination.

Strength: New Zealand’s unbeaten run in the Tri-Nation Series against Pakistan and South Africa have them a perfect head start ahead of the eight-team marquee tournament. On paper, batting seems to be their biggest strength, with veteran Kane Williamson showing sublime touch while Will Young and Devon Conway are expected to give a promising start to the innings in the absence of injured Rachin Ravindra, who is progressing well after sustaining a head injury against Pakistan last week.

With Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell in the middle order, they have enough batting depth to hammer any opponent in the tournament.

Weakness: With injury ruling out pacer Ben Sears while speedster Lockie Ferguson is still recovering from his hamstring, he sustained during the ILT20, where he was leading the Desert Vipers. After the retirements of Trent Boult and Tim Southee last year, New Zealand will be without their experienced duo and the fresh injuries further shrunk their pace arsenal.

In addition, Ravindra’s head injury ahead of the big tournament is a setback for the side, which is already battling with injuries. Meanwhile, the opener is expected to be fit to play a part in the tournament, but the balance of the side is expected to be affected due to his absence.

Opportunity: Santner, a left-arm spinner with 117 ODI scalps, is the most experienced bowler in their side and on slow and turning Pakistan and Dubai pitches, he will be a crucial cog in their bowling line-up. The one positive thing for the side is their all-round abilities, with Phillips and Ravindra also able to contribute with the ball.

On the other hand, the pace trio of Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith will have a chance to rise up to the occasion and fill the void of experienced veterans following their retirements. Ferguson’s availability will be a major boost for the side in their title hopes.

Threat: One of the major tasks for the Blackcaps will be to weather the middle overs on the spin-friendly sub-continent pitches. With Williamson leading the potent batting attack, it will be interesting to see how other Kiwi batters will keep the scoreboard ticking on tricky conditions.

New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.

Former New Zealand fast-bowling great Tim Southee is confident that the Black Caps’ inexperienced bowling attack will do a wonderful job at the upcoming Champions Trophy after watching them perform impressively in the recently-concluded tri-series in Pakistan. The 36-year-old Southee, who has 776 international wickets for New Zealand across three formats, was an integral part of his country’s team until his retirement in 2024. With Trent Boult also not there and Lockie Ferguson looking highly unlikely, it will be Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith and Matt Henry, who will share the pace-bowling load at the marquee ICC event.

“It’s something different not having Trent (Boult) and myself at an ICC event but, at the same time, it’s exciting. These events are great to be a part of and it’s in front of these guys now, I’m very excited to see how they go.

“The way the team has played, different guys have stepped up. It’s a good mix between some experienced guys and some exciting young guys with a lot of potential,” Southee was quoted as saying in a ICC press release.

“The experience of this Tri-Nation Series is only going to stand them in good stead for the tournament. So, taking some momentum into the tournament and being accustomed to those conditions, it’s only going to be a good thing,” Southee said.

Southee, who has 221 ODI wickets, feels O’Rourke has the potential to become the backbone of the New Zealand attack in the coming days.

“Will O’Rourke, in the Test game we’ve seen what he can do. He’s still so young but he’s got all the attributes that are going to set him up to have a lot of success in international cricket. I’m looking forward to watching him in his first ICC event.

“Will is a man of few words but certainly listens and wants to get better. We know he’s got the pace and bounce, he’s got great skills. He just keeps growing, we’ve seen that in the Test game and he’s continued to get better.

“His game is far from finished but I’m sure he’ll be a massive asset to New Zealand cricket across all three formats for a long time to come.” He also reserved some praise for Nathan Smith.

“Nathan Smith has a real confidence about him, and believes in himself which I think you need at this level.” He is also happy that veteran Kane Williamson is in fine nick, which will boost New Zealand’s chances.

“Kane is in good form, it’s nice to see him with a couple of scores, he’s obviously class. He’s not played a lot of one-day cricket for the last few years but to see him come back and have two significant contributions is what we’re used to seeing.

“But it’s also pleasing for me now as a fan of the Black Caps. When he (Williamson) is in the middle, it comes with experience and the way he plays, he just looks in control the whole time.”

Backbone of New Zealand batting

Williamson, Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips form the backbone of New Zealand batting and Southee believes that the five are better judges of how to pace their innings in 50-over format.

“That is what sets those four or five batters apart from the rest. They are able to sum up conditions, sum up moments in games and more times than not, they come out on the right side of things. He (Williamson) brings a calmness to the group.” He praised left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner’s leadership skills.

“Mitch has done a great job as captain. It’s still reasonably new to him but I experienced a bit of his captaincy towards the end of my career. He’s very calm, you see that in the way he plays his cricket.

“He thinks about the game well and I think he looks to lead with his performances across all three areas. He’s one of best fielders, an unbelievably skilful bowler and a more-than-useful batter. So, I’m sure he’ll be looking to lead in all those three areas.” So, can New Zealand go all the way and follow in the footsteps of the 2000 vintage? Southee certainly thinks so.

“If you look at the track record of New Zealand in ICC events, they are always there or thereabouts. In a tournament like the Champions Trophy, if you get on a bit of a roll, anything can happen. I’d love to see the Black Caps there and hopefully lifting the trophy at the end.” 

Pakistan and New Zealand also face off in the first game of Champions Trophy 2025.© AFP

Pakistan vs New Zealand LIVE Streaming, Tri-Series Final: Pakistan take on New Zealand in the final of the tri-series, in what will be both team’s final ODI before the Champions Trophy 2025 gets underway. Incidentally, the two sides play again on February 19, to kickstart the Champions Trophy. New Zealand have picked up two dominant wins in the tri-series. On the other hand, hosts Pakistan chased down a target of over 350 against South Africa to enter the final, thanks to brilliant centuries by captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha. A win for Pakistan would see them win their third ODI series in a row, after away wins in Australia and South Africa.

Pakistan vs New Zealand LIVE Streaming, Tri-Nation Series Final 2024-25 LIVE Telecast: Check Where and How to Watch?

When will the Pakistan vs New Zealand, ODI Tri-Nation Series final match take place?

The Pakistan vs New Zealand, ODI Tri-Nation Series final match will take place on Friday, February 14 (IST).

Where will the Pakistan vs New Zealand, ODI Tri-Nation Series final match be held?

The Pakistan vs New Zealand, ODI Tri-Nation Series final match will be held at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan.

What time will the Pakistan vs New Zealand, ODI Tri-Nation Series final match start?

The Pakistan vs New Zealand, ODI Tri-Nation Series final match will start at 2:30 PM IST. The toss will take place at 2:00 PM IST.

Which TV channels will show the live telecast of the Pakistan vs New Zealand, ODI Tri-Nation Series final match?

The Pakistan vs New Zealand, ODI Tri-Nation Series final match will not be televised live in India.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Pakistan vs New Zealand, ODI Tri-Nation Series final match?

The Pakistan vs New Zealand, ODI Tri-Nation Series final match will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

Tim Southee in action© AFP

For former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, it is hard to argue against Steve Smith deserving to be considered the finest player of his generation on numbers alone. On the opening day of the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka, Smith soared to new heights in Test format with a flick of mid-on from spinner Prabath Jayasuriya minutes before lunch. He broke off in a sprint to complete a single and 10,000 Test runs, joining the exclusive ranks featuring Australian elites Ponting, Allan Border and Steve Waugh to complete the feat.

Smith stood and soaked in the applause coming from the Australian contingent that travelled to Galle. He raised the bat to all corners of the ground to celebrate the landmark moment of his illustrious career.

After Smith, a famed member of the ‘Fab Four,’ added another feat to his name, Ponting feels the flamboyant batter Smith deserves to be considered the best player of his generation.

For Ponting, Smith’s numbers put a strong case for him being the best player of his generation ahead of Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Joe Root.

“Is he the best player of his generation? It’s hard to argue against it. Joe Root is the other one now, and [Kane] Williamson’s record is outstanding as well. Joe’s last couple of years have elevated him right back up there, I think,” Seven commentator Ponting said as quoted from The Sydney Morning Herald.

“Five or six years ago, when this big four emerged, with [Virat] Kohli being one of those as well, Joe was probably down near the bottom part of that because he hadn’t made the hundreds the other guys had made, but he’s made 19 hundreds in the past four years,” he added.

Smith is the fifth-fastest player to script the milestone to his name, achieving the feat in 205 innings, behind only Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara and Ponting.

While it is common for players to add piles of runs to their tally while batting on home soil, Smith has proved himself to be an all-condition player. Almost half of his runs have come in overseas conditions at an average of 53.

In 57 overseas Tests, Smith has garnered 5,084 runs, an average of 53.51, including 17 centuries and 22 fifties and the best score of 215.

“If you asked an Englishman they’d say Joe Root, if you asked an Aussie they’d say Steve Smith, and if you asked a Kiwi they’d say Kane Williamson. So it’s a tough one, but on the numbers themselves it’s pretty hard to argue against what he’s done,” Ponting said.

In the third session, Smith went on to lift his bat to celebrate his 35th Test century. He punched the ball to pick up easy three runs and add another accolade to his name.

Former Australia cricketer Greg Chappell, whose stint as Indian cricket team coach was controversial, believes that for the modern greats of cricket like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Joe Root, the end will come, but not when others tell them, but when they know. Chappell also reflected on the inevitable decline of elite batsmen and how it manifests in the careers of modern greats like Kohli, Smith, and Root. Chappell examines the phenomenon he calls “Elite Performance Decline Syndrome” (EPDS), offering a rare glimpse into the mental and physical battles faced by cricketers in the twilight of their careers.

Chappell begins by observing how decline, while gradual, is unmistakable. Even the best players—those who once dominated with flair and certainty—start to show signs of hesitation. “For players like Kohli, Smith, and Root, the decline isn’t dramatic,” Chappell wrote in an opinion piece for The Sydney Morning Herald. “It’s subtle—a shift in approach, a caution that replaces the instinctive dominance of their prime.”

“For Kohli, Smith, and Root, the end will come—not when others tell them, but when they know,” Chappell writes. “The battle against time is not about winning; it’s about finishing with dignity, on their own terms.”

Kohli, who once intimidated bowlers with his commanding starts, has begun to exhibit a cautious approach. “He now builds his innings differently, often needing 20 or 30 runs to regain the fluency that once came naturally,” Chappell notes.

This hesitancy, Chappell argueed, is emblematic of EPDS. Kohli’s instinctive aggression, tempered by the weight of expectations and the fear of failure, has made him more risk-averse. “Confidence is everything for an elite athlete,” Chappell writes. “When doubt creeps in, it disrupts the clarity required to dominate. Kohli’s internal battle is clear—his desire to attack versus his cautious approach to survival.”

Steve Smith, known for his unorthodox brilliance and extraordinary ability to grind out runs, is battling a different facet of EPDS. “Smith’s decline has been more mental than physical,” Chappell suggests.

The intense focus and meticulous preparation that defined Smith’s batting are harder to sustain as time goes on. “Fatigue—both mental and physical—is a silent enemy,” Chappell writes. “For Smith, maintaining that razor-sharp focus over long innings has become increasingly challenging. The weight of expectations, from fans and teammates alike, only adds to the emotional toll.”

For Joe Root, the battle is as much about mindset as it is about form. Root’s graceful stroke play and ability to adapt to any situation have remained hallmarks of his game. However, Chappell notes a subtle shift in his intent. “Root’s ability to dominate spinners and pace alike is still there, but his willingness to take risks has diminished,” Chappell observes.

Root’s challenge lies in rekindling the joy of batting, something that often fades under the weight of responsibility. “The hardest thing isn’t the bowler at the other end,” Chappell writes. “It’s the silence in your own head when you know you’re not the player you once were.”

Chappell delved into the scientific underpinnings of EPDS, explaining how ageing impacts both the mind and body. “These changes are inevitable,” Chappell writes. “The challenge is how players like Kohli, Smith, and Root adapt to them.”

For players from cricket-mad nations like India, Australia, and England, the pressures of decline are magnified by public scrutiny. Chappell highlighted how every slump in form is dissected by fans and pundits, adding to the mental burden.

“These players are not just fighting their own battles,” Chappell writes. “They’re carrying the weight of millions of fans who demand perfection.” He recalls Sunil Gavaskar’s words: “The hardest part of batting is knowing you aren’t what you were.”

Despite the challenges, Chappell believed that great players find ways to adapt. He points to Kohli’s recent performances, where after cautious starts, he rediscovered his rhythm and delivered match-winning innings. Similarly, Smith’s ability to grind through tough conditions and Root’s adaptability to different formats are testaments to their resilience.

“Reaching 20 or 30 runs acts as a psychological turning point,” Chappell writes. “It’s a moment where the rhythm of their younger selves resurfaces, reminding them—and us—why they’re among the greatest of all time.”

Chappell concluded by reflecting on his own career and the emotional struggle of letting go. In his final Test at the SCG, he summoned the mental focus of his younger self to score a century, a fitting end to his journey.

Chappell also urged fans to celebrate these players not just for their peak performances but for their resilience in the face of decline.

“Greatness isn’t just about what they achieve in their prime. It’s about how they adapt, endure, and finish. Kohli, Smith, and Root are writing the final chapters of their stories, and we should honour their courage as much as their brilliance.”

Mitchell Santner in action© AFP