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Champions Trophy 2025 opener: Pakistan vs New Zealand, a 29-year wait ends with high-stakes clash

Pakistan hosts its first ICC tournament in 29 years as they take on New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025.

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Pakistan vs New Zealand live match, Champions Trophy 2025

Karachi is set to witness an electrifying start to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as Pakistan takes on New Zealand in the much-anticipated opening match. This marks the first time in 29 years that Pakistan is hosting an ICC global event, reviving cricketing excitement in the country.

As the defending champions, Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, will be aiming to clinch their first ICC title since their Champions Trophy victory in 2017. However, recent back-to-back losses against New Zealand in a Tri-Series leading up to the tournament have raised concerns over their form.

On the other hand, New Zealand, the in-form team, will be determined to begin their campaign on a high note. Having lifted the Champions Trophy once in 2000, the Kiwis, captained by an experienced lineup, are keen on replicating their past success.

Pakistan’s twin losses against New Zealand raises concerns

Pakistan enters the tournament after suffering two consecutive defeats against New Zealand in a recent Tri-nation ODI Series held in Pakistan. This has dented the hosts’ confidence, but the team hopes to capitalize on home conditions to make a strong comeback.

Defending champions Pakistan eye redemption

Pakistan last lifted the Champions Trophy in 2017, when they defeated arch-rivals India in a spectacular final. Fakhar Zaman’s stunning 114 off 106 balls and Hasan Ali’s 13 wickets in five matches were key highlights of their triumph. Can they repeat their heroics in 2025?

Pakistan vs New Zealand: A clash of momentum vs home advantage

New Zealand enters the tournament in red-hot form, having dominated a recently concluded tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa. The Kiwis won all their matches, indicating their preparedness for the tournament. However, Pakistan’s home advantage and familiarity with the conditions could play a crucial role in this high-stakes encounter.

Cricket returns to Pakistan after 29 years

This tournament is a landmark moment for Pakistan, as they host their first ICC event since 1996. The country has faced multiple hurdles, especially after the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lanka team, which led to international cricket being suspended in the region. Now, with security assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the nation is ready to prove itself as a safe venue for global cricket once again.

Will New Zealand continue their dominance, or will Pakistan utilize their home advantage to make a winning start? The cricketing world eagerly awaits the answer as Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off with a blockbuster clash in Karachi.

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Tamim Iqbal hospitalised after chest pain during Dhaka Premier League match

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Tamim Iqbal was hospitalised after experiencing chest pain during a Dhaka Premier Division League match. A helicopter was initially arranged but he was eventually taken to Fazilatunnesa Hospital by road.

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Tamim Iqbal, Tamim Iqbal hospitalised, Dhaka Premier League, Bangladesh cricket news, Tamim Iqbal health update

Veteran Bangladesh cricketer and former national team captain Tamim Iqbal was rushed to a hospital in Dhaka on Monday after he experienced chest pain during a Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League match. The incident took place during the first innings of the 50-over match between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Shinepukur Cricket Club at the BKSP ground in Savar.

According to match referee Debabrata Paul, a helicopter was initially arranged to transport the 36-year-old cricketer, but he had to be shifted via road and was admitted to Fazilatunnesa Hospital for further medical evaluation.

Iqbal, a key figure in Bangladesh’s cricketing history, had stepped away from international cricket earlier this year, marking his second retirement announcement after a brief return in 2023. His first announcement in July 2023 was retracted within 24 hours following a meeting with then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Having last played for the national team in 2023, Tamim has an illustrious record with 5,134 runs in 70 Tests, 8,357 runs in 243 ODIs, and 1,758 runs from 78 T20Is, making him one of the most accomplished batters in Bangladesh’s cricket history.

Further updates on his health condition are awaited.

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Abki baar 300 paar? Dale Steyn knows when will SRH hit 300

Dale Steyn has predicted that Sunrisers Hyderabad will score 300 runs against Mumbai Indians on April 17 in IPL 2025. SRH’s explosive start to the season has added weight to the claim.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad’s power-packed batting display in their IPL 2025 opener has ignited bold predictions, with former South African legend pacer Dale Steyn confidently stating that SRH will become the first team to score 300 runs in an IPL match — and he even knows the date.

Taking to social media, former SRH bowling coach predicted April 17 as the historic day, when SRH face Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. “Small prediction. April 17 we’ll see the first 300 in IPL. Who knows, I might even be there to see it happen,” Steyn tweeted.

SRH nearly reached the landmark on Sunday, piling up a massive 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals, their second-highest total in IPL history. The Sunrisers already holds four of the five highest team scores in the tournament and seems closest to breaching the elusive 300-run barrier.

When a fan questioned what would happen if Mumbai Indians chose to bat first, Steyn responded with humour and readiness, saying, “Haha! Great point,” showing he had thought through a backup plan.

The confidence stems from SRH’s past dominance over MI, particularly in Mumbai. The last time these two teams clashed at Wankhede, Sunrisers posted 277/3, with Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen launching an assault with a combined 17 sixes.

Contrasting starts to IPL 2025 for SRH and MI

SRH began their campaign in style with a 44-run win over Rajasthan Royals. The highlight was Ishan Kishan’s century — the first of IPL 2025. Picked for Rs 11.25 crore at the IPL mega-auction, the former Mumbai Indians opener appears to have revived his career after missing out on BCCI’s central contracts and falling behind in India’s wicketkeeping race.

On the other hand, Mumbai Indians continued their long-standing struggle with season openers, suffering their 13th consecutive first-match defeat. Despite putting up a fight, they lost to Chennai Super Kings, with half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad guiding CSK to victory.

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IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant to lead LSG against former side DC, KL Rahul’s availability uncertain

Rishabh Pant returns to face Delhi Capitals as Lucknow Super Giants captain in IPL 2025, while KL Rahul may sit out due to a personal issue.

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Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul ahead of DC vs LSG IPL 2025 match

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set for an electrifying face-off as Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) lock horns in Visakhapatnam on Day 3 of the tournament. The spotlight is firmly on Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, both facing their former franchises, bringing emotional and competitive undertones to the match.

Rishabh Pant’s high-profile move adds fire to DC-LSG clash

Rishabh Pant, who led Delhi Capitals in previous seasons, will now captain Lucknow Super Giants after being released by DC ahead of the 2025 auction. The star wicketkeeper-batter became the most expensive buy in IPL history when LSG acquired him for ₹27 crore. Pant will be keen to make a statement against his former side, much like Phil Salt did for his new team on Saturday.

Leading the Capitals in Pant’s absence is Axar Patel, who has stepped up as captain. The encounter becomes even more compelling with the leadership switch and team transitions of both key players.

KL Rahul’s participation in doubt

Meanwhile, KL Rahul’s return to Delhi Capitals has stirred attention after his high-profile trade from LSG, which followed a reported fallout with the Giants’ owner. However, his appearance in the playing XI remains doubtful due to a “personal problem,” potentially ruling him out of the contest.

Predicted playing XIs

Lucknow Super Giants

  • Mitchell Marsh
  • Aryan Juyal
  • Rishabh Pant (c)
  • Nicholas Pooran
  • Ayush Badoni
  • David Miller
  • Shahbaz Ahmed
  • Shardul Thakur
  • Ravi Bishnoi
  • Akash Singh
  • Shamar Joseph

Delhi Capitals

  • Jake Fraser-McGurk
  • Faf du Plessis
  • Abhishek Porel
  • KL Rahul (subject to availability)
  • Axar Patel (c)
  • Tristan Stubbs
  • Ashutosh Sharma
  • Mitchell Starc
  • Kuldeep Yadav
  • Mukesh Kumar
  • T Natarajan

With heavyweights on both sides and unfinished business between former teammates and franchises, this match is poised to be a thriller for fans and players alike.

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