The Tri-Nation Series 2025 is officially underway with the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand set to provide fans with a thrilling start to the tournament. New Zealand’s newly minted skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat first at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, a venue hosting its first fixture since extensive renovation work.
This is the first time these two teams have met since their bonkers encounter in the ICC World Cup in 2023, with the Kiwis going past 400 and Pakistan miraculously chasing it down, albeit with a little help from the rain.
Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, boasts a few notable choices in its lineup. Fakhar Zaman is back at the top of the order, with Babar Azam as his opening partner, a change mandated by injury to Saim Ayub.
Controversial pick for the Champions Trophy, Faheem Ashraf, has not found a place in the XI, but Khushdil Shah is making his return to international cricket. The middle order features the steady Kamran Ghulam, followed by Tayyab Tahir and Salman Agha.
The bowling attack is as strong as ever, with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf forming a pace trio that could trouble any batting lineup. Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s exciting spin option, will look to make his mark in the middle overs.
| Fakhar Zaman | Babar Azam | Kamran Ghulam |
| Tayyab Tahir | Mohammad Rizwan (c) (wk) | Khushdil Shah |
| Shaheen Afridi | Salman Ali Agha (vc) | Naseem Shah |
| Haris Rauf | Abrar Ahmed |
New Zealand, under the captaincy of Mitchell Santner, have opted for a strong batting lineup. Openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra are expected to set the tone at the top, while the experienced trio of Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Latham will hold the key in the middle overs. Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell add further depth with their all-round abilities.
The bowling attack is equally formidable despite the missing Lockie Ferguson, with Ben Sears, Matt Henry, and Will O’Rourke tasked with taking wickets up front and through the middle overs, while Santner will lead the spin department.
| Will Young | Rachin Ravindra | Kane Williamson |
| Glenn Phillips | Tom Latham (wk) | Daryl Mitchell |
| Michael Bracewell | Mitchell Santner (c) | Will O’Rourke |
| Ben Sears | Matt Henry |
As the first match of the Tri-Nation Series 2025 kicks off, both teams—Pakistan and New Zealand—will be eager to make an early statement.