ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Five Players to watch out for in Pakistan vs New Zealand clash

The ICC Champions Trophy is about to get started this week, with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the first game at the National Stadium in Karachi. The tournament gets a reboot for the first time since 2017, as the top eight ranked sides descend upon Pakistan and UAE to play this coveted trophy. 

Pakistan and New Zealand recently played two ODI games as part of a tri-series, and that has given us all a good look at what to expect from these two teams in the 2025 Champions Trophy. That being said, let's take a look at five players to watch out for in the ICC Champions Trophy game between Pakistan and New Zealand. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Five Players to watch out for in Pakistan vs New Zealand clash

1. Kane Williamson

The former New Zealand skipper was in sublime form during the tri-series, scoring as many as 225 runs in three games. Williamson got those runs at an impressive strike rate of nearly 90, showing that he can switch gears when needed to keep up with modern-day cricket. Williamson has been a bit hot and cold in ODIs since the 2019 World Cup where he was the Player of the Tournament, but a competition like the Champions Trophy could offer him a chance to, once again, grab the limelight. 

2. Mitchell Santner

Recently appointed as captain, Mitchell Santner has been terrific in world cricket over the past few years or so. He bowls a tight line and gets turn even on placid surfaces to remain a threat for the batters. Santner picked five wickets in the three ODIs of the tri-series, but what was most impressive about his bowling was an economy rate of 4.10 despite playing on fairly flat wickets. Santner has an uncanny knack for controlling the middle overs and keeping things tight, inducing wickets from the other end. 

3. Michael Bracewell

Just like Santner, Michael Bracewell also was very impressive in this Tri-Nations series. He picked up five wickets and contributed with the bat as well. Bracewell had an average of 24.40 in that series and an economy rate just above four. The ‘Beast’ as he is nicknamed by his teammates has done well previously in sub-continent conditions and could trouble Pakistan who have been weak sometimes against finger spin. 

4. Mohammad Rizwan

With Babar Azam being in a bit of form, the Pakistani skipper probably holds the key to their batting chances. Rizwan scored a superb century in a record-breaking chase against South Africa and got runs in the other two games as well. He has led from the front since becoming captain, claiming ODI series wins away against Australia and South Africa. Rizwan averages 47.75 while playing at home, and would be looking to only better that tally in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.  

5. Salman Agha

Salman Ali Agha was Pakistan’s leading run-getter in the Tri-Nations Trophy. He forged a brilliant partnership with Rizwan in that record-breaking chase against South Africa. Salman Agha is a genuine power hitter who can score quickly from the middle order, and his contributions will be crucial on these flat decks of Pakistan. Salman Agha averages 47.2 while playing at home, and will have a role to play with his off-spin as well in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.