PAK vs NZ: Hosting of ICC event after 29 years, audience at home Champions Trophy 2025 started today, 19 February. In the first match of this tournament started between the top-8 teams of the world, the host Pakistan team is facing New Zealand. In this match being played at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bowl first. During the match, the National Stadium of Karachi attracted the attention of spectators from all over the world.

Hosting after 29 years
When Pakistan got the hosting of the tournament, 3 stadiums there were renovated. The Pakistan Cricket Board claimed that these stadiums are being made world-class. Pakistan is the hosting of the ICC event after 29 years. In such a situation, it seemed that Pakistani fans would reach the field in large numbers to make this event a success and to support their team.

Empty chairs were seen.
However, when the match started, all the claims and promises turned out to be a flop. The match started, and Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan chose to bowl. The Men in Green came on the field, but there were no spectators in the Pakistan stadium. The red, blue, and yellow chairs of Karachi Stadium were seen empty. These pictures are now going viral on social media. It is clear from this that Pakistani spectators have not come to watch the match.

Pakistan has the upper hand.

If we look at the head-to-head statistics between the Pakistan cricket team and the New Zealand cricket team, then the Men in Green have the upper hand. The two teams have faced each other 118 times in ODIs so far. During this, Pakistan has won 61 matches. On the other hand, New Zealand has won 53 matches. 3 matches were inconclusive and 1 was a tie.

New Zealand's playing XI.

Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O'Rourke.

Pakistan's playing XI.
Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper/captain), Salman Aga, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed. Pakistan yearned for