New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra (right) celebrates 50 runs with teammate Devon Conway during the second ODI match against West Indies at McLean Park in Napier on November 19, 2025.
| Photo Credit: AFP

New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra will miss the ICC Champions Trophy opener between the Kiwis and Pakistan at Karachi as he is still yet to recover from a forehead injury sustained during the tri-nation series’ first ODI against the same opponents at the same venue days back. Ravindra’s unfortunate injury occurred in the 38th over of the second innings of the February 8 tri-series final. While going for a catch off Michael Bracewell, he lost sight of the ball due to floodlights and took a heavy blow to his face. He was taken off the pitch after he started to bleed. He did not return for any further action.

The following day, Rachin received stitches for his wound, as revealed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). He was further monitored under HIA (Head Injury Assessment) protocols, which kept him out of the remainder of the series.

NZ head coach Gary Stead, quoted by Wisden, said ahead of the tri-nation series final, “He has had a headache for a few days, but that is subsiding, which is really good news. He hit a few balls tonight for the first time, which is good. But there are still a few more steps for him to go through before he will be considered fit for play.”

During the toss for the CT opener at Karachi, NZ skipper Mitchel Santner confirmed that the youngster was not yet ready for his on-field return. Rachin is in a solid nick, scoring 203 runs in the last seven matches at an average of 29.00, with a fifty). His spot was taken by batter Will Young.

Pakistan skipper Mohammed Rizwan won the toss and elected to field first against NZ.

Playing XIs:

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.

The Champions Trophy is back on the calendars of cricket enthusiasts as the extravaganza fest returns after over seven years of absence with a high-profile match between Pakistan and New Zealand beginning the tournament in the revamped Karachi Stadium on Wednesday. Cricket has been going through a phase where the ODI craves attention while its younger sibling, T20I, has been getting all the plaudits for delivering on its promise of an action-packed affair.

As the Champions Trophy returns, fans’ appetite for ODI cricket is expected to return to its peak. A lot has happened since Sarfaraz Ahmed took Pakistan to glory in 2017 by overwhelming their bitter rival, India, with a 180-run victory in the final.

Before fans could forget Pakistan’s success story in 2017, the Champions Trophy has returned, even though it remains an awkward fit considering the amount of T20I and Test action that has unfolded over the past years.

In the tournament opener, Pakistan will face familiar foes, New Zealand, who have recently had an upper hand over the defending champions. The Blackcaps will be on familiar turf, considering no other team has played more ODIs than them in Pakistan (11) since the beginning of 2019.

New Zealand will certainly back themselves to outfox Pakistan, considering their success over Pakistan in the ODI tri-nation final just five days before in Karachi.

In the 2019 and 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, New Zealand and Pakistan faced each other twice, and on both occasions, the Men in Green dug deep and found the road to success.

For Pakistan, the most concerning thing about their lineup would be their misfiring premier batter, Babar Azam. He has gone 21 innings without scoring a century in the format. His recent promotion to the top of the order would allow him to quickly exploit the powerplay conditions and pile up runs across his name.

Apart from Babar’s form, Pakistan’s biggest worry will be New Zealand spinners. Captain Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell combined to pick up five wickets during the ODI tri-nation series at an economy of 4.41, which is remarkable considering the rate at which South Africa’s (5.94) and Pakistan’s (5.67) ball tweakers conceded runs.

Looking at both sides’ head-to-head record in the Champions Trophy, both teams squared off against each other in 2000, 2006, and 2009, with the Kiwis emerging victorious on all three occasions.

Overall, in the ODIs, Pakistan and New Zealand have been neck-to-neck in their past 11 encounters. The Kiwis have won five and lost six; however, in their past four meetings, New Zealand has sought victory thrice.

As both teams prepare to add a new chapter to their rivalry, it will be interesting to see who wins the bragging rights on Wednesday.

New Zealand likely XI: Will Young/Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith/Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke

Pakistan likely XI: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam/Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

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.

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)

Rachin Ravindra was hit on the head in Lahore© AFP

Rachin Ravindra was severely injured during Pakistan vs New Zealand match.© AFP

New Zealand ripped through Sri Lanka’s top order Wednesday to win the rain-reduced second one-day international in Hamilton by 113 runs and clinch the series. Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana took a hat-trick as the home side posted 255-9 off 37 overs, but the tourists could only muster 142 all out off 30.2 overs in response. It followed New Zealand’s comfortable nine-wicket win in Wellington to go 2-0 up in the series, with the third match to be played in Auckland on Saturday.

Sri Lanka’s top order has misfired badly in both games.

They slumped to 22-4 at Seddon Park, leaving little chance of reaching their target of 256 in a match reduced to 37 overs each because of early rain.

Kaminu Mendis top-scored with his ODI best of 64 off 66 balls, but fell to a spectacular running catch from Daryl Mitchell from the bowling of Will O’Rourke to seal Sri Lanka’s fate.

Janith Liyanage‘s 22 was the next best score in a Sri Lanka chase marred by two run-outs and a series of risky shots that didn’t pay off.

O’Rourke was too quick for the tail, taking 3-31 off 6.2 overs while Jacob Duffy was responsible for some of the early damage, claiming 2-30, including the key scalps of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said their run target should have been achievable.

“I think it was a fair score for batsmen in this kind of small ground, and it’s a fair pitch,” he said.

“I think again the bad batting in the power play cost us the game.”

Earlier, recalled off-spinner Theekshana capitalised on some wayward New Zealand hitting to finish with 4-44 off eight overs.

He removed Mitchell Santer and Nathan Smith with successive deliveries at the end of the 35th over.

The hat-trick was completed — all from mistimed lofted shots — when Matt Henry was caught off the first ball of the final over.

It helped to pull back a New Zealand innings which threatened to surpass 300 when opener Rachin Ravindra raced to 79 off 63 balls and Mark Chapman scored 62 off 52.

The pair put on 112 for the second wicket, ending when Chapman holed out to long-off from Theekshana.

Ravindra departed soon afterwards, caught brilliantly at short cover by Asalanka off leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (2-39).

Ravindra, who struck nine fours and a six, believed his balanced batting style was tailored for the 50-over format.

“I do enjoy the ODIs, although you don’t see as many games happen anymore, but it’s a format I grew up watching, and I think it suits the way I bat,” said the 25-year-old, who scored 45 in the first match.

“I think it’s a nice, natural tempo being able to go out there and play cricket shots.”

Some of the world’s top cricketers will be among 574 players seeking an Indian Premier League (IPL) payday when the lucrative T20 tournament begins its mega auction on Sunday, November 24. A whole host of overseas stars have listed their names for the mega auction, with some unexpected faces also throwing their name into the hat. Overseas players have also been heavily sought-after in recent auctions. We look at five stars up for grabs during the two-day bidding frenzy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

1. James Anderson (England) –The England Test great wants to add a final chapter to his storied career and is seeking an IPL berth for the first time, entering the auction at a base price of $148,115.

The 42-year-old fast bowler retired from Tests earlier this year after 704 wickets, the third-highest in five-day history after Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan and Australian spin king Shane Warne.

He has limited experience in 20-over matches, playing 19 internationals for England with his last 15 years ago.

But Anderson has said he isn’t ready to call time on his career, prompting West Indies great Viv Richards to liken his longevity to LeBron James.

2. Mitchell Starc (Australia) –The 34-year-old smashed the IPL auction record last year when Kolkata Knight Riders netted his services for $2.98 million.

The left-arm quick and handy lower-order slugger was instrumental in their run to the title, including taking 2-14 in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Kolkata nevertheless opted not to retain him. “It is what it is, that’s franchise cricket,” Starc said.

With 193 wickets in 142 T20 matches, the imposing Starc — he is 1.96 metres (6 feet 4 inches) tall — enters the auction at the top base price bracket of $237,000.

3. Rishabh Pant (India) – Pant, 27, was forced out of competitive cricket for more than a year after a serious car crash in December 2022 but returned to captain the Delhi Capitals this year.

India’s top wicketkeeper-batsman and the franchise parted ways after their disappointing sixth-placed finish and Pant will also enter the auction at a $237,000 base price.

With his sharp glovework and knack of taking on bowlers with attacking and unconventional batting, pundits believe he is in the running to secure a record payday.

“Mitchell Starc’s auction record is in danger,” former India quick Irfan Pathan said on social media.

4. David Miller (South Africa) – Known as “Killer Miller” for his destructive batting, the South African has a T20 international strike rate of close to 140.

The 35-year-old is also looking for a new home after playing with Gujarat Titans since the team’s inception in 2022, smashing 210 runs in nine matches in this year’s season.

India’s dismissal of Miller in this year’s T20 World Cup final in Barbados was a key moment in the match and the Proteas went on to lose.

He is likely to set off a bidding war after registering for the auction at a base price of $178,000.

5. Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) – Ravindra made an instant impact in his IPL debut this year, smashing 222 runs at a punishing strike rate above 161 for Chennai Super Kings.

The left-hander’s ability to play spin with aplomb on subcontinent pitches saw him fare well during last year’s ODI World Cup and in New Zealand’s recent 3-0 Test whitewash in India.

The Wellington-born Ravindra’s parents hail from Bengaluru and hopes abound there that he will join the city’s franchise, which also features fan favourite Virat Kohli.

The 25-year-old’s first name reflects his father’s love of India’s cricket greats — “Ra” from Rahul Dravid and “chin” from Sachin Tendulkar.

Ravindra enters the auction at a $178,000 base price.