New Delhi, Feb. 19 -- Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening match today (February 19). The match will be held at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

The National Stadium in Karachi has been a prominent venue for One Day International (ODI) cricket since its inaugural ODI on November 21, 1980, between Pakistan and the West Indies. Over the years, it has hosted 78 ODIs. Teams batting first have won 36 matches, and those bowling first secured 39 victories.

The pitch at this stadium tends to favour batters as it tends to be quite flat. Fast bowlers might get some initial help with the new ball. But, it usually doesn't last for long. As the ball gets older, it becomes easier for batsmen to score. The hi...