Pakistan face New Zealand in opener today

KARACHI, Feb 18 (Agencies): Pakistan will host New Zealand in the opening game of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Pakistan, the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 hosts, begin their title defense against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi in Pakistan on Wednesday.
Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan said on Tuesday the Champions Trophy would be a "historic occasion" for the country, a day before the hosts kick the tournament off against New Zealand.
The Champions Trophy is the first major cricket event hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades and is regarded as second only to the World Cup in the one-day game.
"A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years so I think the whole nation should enjoy this historic occasion," Rizwan told a news conference on the eve of the tournament, which runs until March 09.
Meanwhile, New Zealand suffered a second injury blow on the eve of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday with experienced fast bowler Lockie Ferguson ruled out of the tournament with a foot problem. The 33-year-old, who picked up the injury during a T20 league in the UAE last month, will be replaced by Kyle Jamieson.
Ferguson is the second casualty in New Zealand's 15-man squad after fellow pacer Ben Sears was replaced by Jacob Duffy because of a hamstring injury.
Ferguson has taken 99 wickets in 65 ODIs.
"We're really disappointed for Lockie," said New Zealand coach Gary Stead, whose side play hosts and defending champions Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday in the opening match.
"Lockie is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event."
The 30-year-old Jamieson played 13 ODIs between 2020 and 2023. New Zealand and Pakistan are in Group A of the eight-nation Champions Trophy, with India and Bangladesh the other teams in the group.
Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan are in Group B.