It has been more than six months since the NZ vs AFG Champions Trophy 2025 warm-up match was played in Karachi, yet cricket fans still remember it as one of the most thrilling practice games before the tournament.
Afghanistan started that evening with intent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 110 off 107 balls remains one of the most impressive knocks of the year for his team. His aggressive yet composed batting set the tone, while Sediqullah Atal’s 52 gave Afghanistan the cushion they needed. Despite losing wickets in patches, they ended with 305/9, a total that looked big enough on the scoreboard.
At that moment, cricket experts believed Afghanistan had sent a strong message to the bigger teams: they were not going to be easy pushovers in Pakistan.
On 2 September 2025, reflecting on this clash makes it clear why cricket fans still talk about it. The NZ vs AFG warm-up match wasn’t televised, yet it became one of the most followed games online. It gave Afghanistan positives to carry forward and proved New Zealand’s resilience once again.
On 16 February 2025, Afghanistan’s top order set the stage with a strong batting show, but New Zealand’s lower order stole the limelight with a stunning comeback. Looking back now, on 2 September 2025, the game feels like a turning point in how both teams shaped their Champions Trophy campaigns.
The Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off with exciting warm-up matches, giving fans a preview of what to expect in Pakistan. On 16 February 2025, New Zealand faced Afghanistan in a crucial warm-up game at the National Stadium, Karachi. The match turned out to be a thriller, with New Zealand successfully chasing down a big target in the final overs. Here’s a full breakdown of the match result, highlights, and live-streaming details.
New Zealand and Afghanistan are preparing for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2025. They will face off in an essential warm-up game in Karachi. Don’t miss the excitement!
New Zealand and Afghanistan are set to compete in a crucial warm-up match before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This game will take place on February 16, 2025, at the National Stadium in Karachi, starting at 2:30 PM IST. It’s a crucial practice for both teams right before the tournament begins on 19 February.
New Zealand is coming off a win in a tri-series, while Afghanistan is looking to bounce back after a tough loss in their last warm-up match. Fans worldwide are excited to learn how to watch the game live, but details about broadcasting are still unclear since it’s not being televised.
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Squads for NZ vs AFG Warm-Up Match
| New Zealand Squad | Afghanistan Squad |
|---|
| Will Young | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) |
| Devon Conway | Ibrahim Zadran |
| Kane Williamson | Sediqullah Atal |
| Daryl Mitchell | Rahmat Shah |
| Tom Latham (wk) | Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) |
| Glenn Phillips | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Michael Bracewell | Gulbadin Naib |
| Mitchell Santner (c) | Mohammad Nabi |
| Nathan Smith | Ikram Alikhil |
| Jacob Duffy | Nangeyalia Kharote |
| William O’Rourke | Noor Ahmad |
| Rachin Ravindra | Rashid Khan |
| Lockie Ferguson | Fazalhaq Farooqi |
| Mark Chapman | Bilal Sami |
| Matt Henry | Naveed Zadran |
| Darwish Rasooli | |
| Fareed Ahmad Malik |
The warm-up match is crucial for both teams as they prepare and adjust their game plans ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, is coming off a winning streak after beating Pakistan and South Africa in a recent tri-series.
They might rest some key players like Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips, which could give chances to up-and-coming players like Will Young and Rachin Ravindra.
Meanwhile, under Hashmatullah Shahidi’s leadership, Afghanistan is looking to bounce back after losing to Pakistan Shaheens by 144 runs. They will rely on star players like Rashid Khan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz to help boost their Confidence before their first match against South Africa.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
The main games of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be shown on Star Sports Network in India, and you can watch them online on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema.
However, practice matches, like those between New Zealand and Afghanistan, won’t be available on TV or online. Here’s how you can watch them in different areas.
India
No confirmed TV or streaming options are available. Fans can follow live updates on ESPNcricinfo or the ICC website.
Pakistan
No official broadcasters have been announced yet. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s website provides live score updates.
Afghanistan
There is no confirmed TV coverage. Fans can follow live updates on the Afghanistan Cricket Board’s official X (Twitter) account.
New Zealand
Official broadcasters do not broadcast the warm-up matches. ESPNcricinfo will provide live score updates.
Other Countries
Fans should check the ICC website or local broadcasters for the latest updates.
The forecast for match day in Karachi looks perfect for cricket! Clear skies and temperatures will reach around 30°C in the afternoon, cooling down in the evening. The pitch at the National Stadium is excellent for batting, and teams usually score over 300 runs.
Fast bowlers might get some movement at the start, but spinners could have a tough time because the ground is dry. The captain who wins the toss will probably choose to bat first to create a challenging target for the other team.
This practice game is a fantastic opportunity to test our teamwork and let some younger players showcase their skills before the big tournament.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan Captain
We faced some challenges initially, but this game was crucial in regaining Confidence and improving our game plan. We’re prepared to give our best effort.
“The absence of live streaming for warm-up matches is disappointing for fans, but these games are vital for teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses ahead of the tournament.”
The warm-up game between New Zealand and Afghanistan is essential for both teams as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Even though fans might not be able to watch it live on TV or online, they can still follow the live score updates to stay in the loop.
This match could influence how both teams perform in the tournament, so cricket fans won’t want to miss it. With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, everyone will watch Karachi to determine which team is on top in this last practice match.
My name is Farhad Dawar and I am graduate of the Institute of Media and Communication Studies Bahaddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan. I’m passionate about journalism and media, and I believe in journalism of courage, uncovering the truth, and shaping the future.
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
