The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 got underway in Karachi’s National Stadium with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the first match of the tournament on February 19, 2025.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and chose to bowl first at Karachi's National Stadium on Wednesday. As the two sides returned from their separate dressing rooms to begin their first clash in the tournament, the Pakistan Air Force performed an air show, signaling the start of the coveted ICC Champions Trophy.  

Will Young and Devon Conway, New Zealand's opening duo, poised to take command in the middle as jets soared overhead. Some players appeared to be afraid when the air show began.

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The PAF air show was scheduled by the Pakistan Cricket Board as part of the opening ceremony, which was conducted over multiple days in different venues. 

Pakistan brought in Haris Rauf for this match after the express pacer returned from injury in time for the opener. However, the Kiwis included Matt Henry in their lineup. Both teams are placed in Group A, alongside India and Bangladesh.

"We will bowl first. Seen the last couple of matches dew comes in later, so want to maximize on that. We are the defending champions so will be in a bit more pressure, but we will treat it like the previous tri-series. Playing in Pakistan will be great as well. Haris Rauf is fit again, so he's back in," Rizwan said after winning the toss.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner said that the dew will come into play later which does make their task difficult.

"The dew gets on later, but we have a job to do with the bat. Looks like a good wicket. We have a good mix of experience and new faces, and are playing some good cricket as well. We have been lucky to play these guys home and away, so we know each other well. What's most important is getting used to the conditions here in Karachi. The injuries we've had are unfortunate, but are confident with the boys that we have out here. Matt Henry comes back in for us," Santner said.