The Champions Trophy 2025 is a landmark tournament for Pakistan cricket with the nation hosting a major ICC tournament for the first time in nearly three decades. However, the first impression may not be up to the mark, with one noticeable thing during the opening game between Pakistan and New Zealand. Grandstands at the National Stadium in Karachi looked markedly empty, with many stands not even half full at the start of play. Former England captain Michael Vaughan also pointed this out.

“Great to see the Champions Trophy being played in Pakistan. First major event since 1996. Have they forgotten to tell the locals it’s on? Where is the crowd?” Vaughan posted on X.

Great to see the champions trophy being played in Pakistan .. First major event since 1996 .. Have they forgotten to tell the locals it’s on .. Where is the crowd ?? #ChampionsTrophy2025

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 19, 2025

The necessity for Pakistan to make a good impression has further increased due to the delay that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faced in the completion of the stadium renovations.

All three stadiums for the Champions Trophy – the National Stadium in Karachi, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – were renovated completely with less than two weeks remaining till the start of the tournament.

Fans not turning up for the start of the very first game of hosts Pakistan, who are also the defending champions, paints an unideal picture for them.

More than half of the stadium is empty in Karachi that too when home team is playing.

Is it even worth giving such big tournament to Pakistan? #PakvsNz pic.twitter.com/oEssQPoo0x

— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) February 19, 2025

Pakistan vs New Zealand: Champions Trophy 2025

For the third time in 11 days, Pakistan took on New Zealand in an ODI, having lost to them twice during the recently-concluded tri-nation series that also featured South Africa.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and elected to field, but Pakistan suffered a huge blow on the just second ball of the contest.

Star batter Fakhar Zaman – who’d slammed a sensational century when Pakistan beat India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final – got injured trying to stop a boundary in the deep.

Pakistan are already facing problems with their opening combination after Saim Ayub‘s injury, and Fakhar Zaman potentially being ruled out would further compile their misery.

For New Zealand, opener Will Young starred. Young slammed a superb 107 off 113 balls, bringing up the first century of the Champions Trophy 2025.

Young laced his innings with 12 fours and a six, and was ably supported by Test captain and wicket-keeper batter Tom Latham.

Young was ultimately dismissed after a superb catch by substitute fielder Faheem Ashraf.

Pakistan and New Zealand will face India and Bangladesh in the group phase as well, with the games against India taking place in Dubai.

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