PAK vs NZ Live: Babar eager to play in Lahore

With home advantage on their side, Pakistan hopes to turn its fortunes around. Lahore, Babar Azam’s hometown, is one of three cities hosting matches, and he believes local conditions will play a crucial role. “When you play at home, you get an edge as you know the conditions. But still, you have to play good cricket because all other teams are among the best.”

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

“I am very excited. We are going to have an ICC tournament in Pakistan after a very long time. As a player, I am very excited, and all the fans are excited. When you have responsibility as a senior player and the team relies on you, I take it in a positive way. I try to give my best in every match so that Pakistan wins, and I enjoy my cricket,” ICC quoted Babar as saying. 

PAK vs NZ Live: Babar excited for Champions Trophy

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s premier batter, is gearing up to lead his nation in a historic ICC Champions Trophy on home soil. Nearly eight years after helping Pakistan clinch the 2017 title, the star batter is determined to guide his team to another triumph, this time in front of their passionate fans.

Champions Trophy 2025 Live: Champions Trophy returns after 8 years

Several barriers had to be hurdled over to cobble this tournament together after eight years. The tournament is also crucial amid the raging debate on the relevance of ODI cricket, which is struggling to find its space amid the rage for T20 cricket and the devotion for Test format. Perhaps, no other cricketing event in the recent past has been harried so much by long-standing geopolitical tensions, stubbornness by administrative boards of two important participants, and the nail-biting anxiety over the readiness of venues in the main hosting nation.

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.