The nation has faced challenges in hosting international cricket for close to two decades, with their ‘home’ fixtures being played in the UAE due to security issues. Following the 2009 incident involving the Sri Lankan team bus, international cricket visits were scarce until Zimbabwe’s tour in 2015. Subsequently, a World XI T20I series in 2017 paved the way for visits from Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh, England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
The Champions Trophy marks Pakistan’s first major ICC event hosting in 29 years, with the previous being the 1996 ODI World Cup.
The tournament opener features Pakistan against New Zealand, who currently hold an advantage over the defending champions. The Blackcaps are familiar with local conditions, having played 11 ODIs in Pakistan since 2019, more than any other visiting team.
New Zealand enter the match with confidence, having recently defeated Pakistan in the ODI tri-nations final in Karachi.
Pakistan demonstrated their competitive spirit by securing victories against New Zealand in both the 2019 and 2023 ICC ODI World Cups.
The Champions Trophy head-to-head record favours New Zealand, who won all three previous encounters in 2000, 2006, and 2009.
In ODIs overall, the teams have been evenly matched across 11 games, with New Zealand winning five and Pakistan six. However, the Blackcaps have dominated recently, winning three of their last four meetings.
