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NZ vs PAK ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The tournament opener of the Champions Trophy between New Zealand and Pakistan put an end to the host's 29-year-long wait for holding an ICC tournament. Pakistan skipper Mohammed Rizwan won the toss and chose to bowl first in Karachi. After both the teams entered the field to play in the tournament opener, the Pakistan Air Force put up a brilliant air show, and thus the mega-event began.

New Zealand openers Will Young and Devon Conway were seen entering the field and that's when the planes went past their heads. A few players were also seen getting scared after the air show started.

The PCB had organized the PAF air show, which was part of the opening ceremony, which had been held in different cities for the last few days.

Also Read: NZ vs PAK ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Abrar Ahmed Gives Fiery Send-Off To Devon Conway In Karachi| Watch

The Mohammed Rizwan-led side had brought back Haris Rauf in their playing XI after he recovered well in time for the tournament opener. At the same time, New Zealand included Matt Henry in their playing XI. Both the teams are a part of Group A, which also has teams like India and Bangladesh.

"We will bowl first. Seen the last couple of matches dew comes in later, so want to maximise on that. We are the defending champions so will be under 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 at the time of the toss.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner reckoned that the dew will play a huge role as the match progresses and that will become challenging for them.

"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 concluded.

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