New Zealand and Afghanistan are preparing for the ICC Champions Trophy 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 February 19.
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.
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 |
Context and Background
The warm-up match is essential for both teams as they prepare and adjust their game plans before 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.
Weather and Pitch Report
The forecast for match day in Karachi looks perfect for cricket! Clear skies and temperatures will hit around 30°C in the afternoon, which will cool 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.
Mitchell Santner, New Zealand Captain
This practice game is a fantastic opportunity to test our teamwork and let some younger players show what they can do before the big tournament.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan Captain
We faced some challenges initially, but this game was critical to regain Confidence and improve our game plan. We’re prepared to give our best effort.
Cricket Analyst, ESPNcricinfo
“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.
How this match turns out 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 came on top in this last practice match.
