Re: ODI cricket and general cricketing discussion [self - mod]
New Zealand and Pakistan will participate in the first match of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 today. But yes, here both the teams are strong and it has become very difficult to make correct predictions for these two teams. I also don't have much difference in the statistics of the past matches of the two teams. But today I am making predictions for Pakistan in the first opening match of ICC Champions Trophy because this game is at their own venue so this match can be very helpful for them. There is still two hours left according to my country's time before the opening match starts. Let's watch this opening match
The match has already been started and Pakistan has won the toss and they chose to ball first. Shaheen Shah Afridi did a pretty decent first over where is gave only three runs and got no wicket. However, the moment of concern for Pakistan was the batsman Fakhar who while fielding got a bit unfit and was taken out. Pakistan would be hoping that he is able to bat later in the innings and has not twisted his ankle.
Devon Conway and Will Young have started the innings from New Zealand and these both are the men in form. NZ would be looking for a strong start by the opening pair.
Still its easy for Kiwis to have 280 to 290 which could be good target because they are having good batting and balanced bowling for this event.