The much-anticipated Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025 kicks off with the Pakistan vs New Zealand 1st T20 on Sunday, March 16, 2025. This series opener at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, promises an electrifying clash as both teams look to set the tone for the five-match T20 series. If you’re wondering about the Pakistan vs New Zealand first T20 2025 time, we’ve got you covered with all the details, plus a preview of what’s in store for this exciting encounter.
When and Where: Match Timing and Venue
The NZ vs PAK 1st T20I is scheduled to begin at 6:45 AM IST (Indian Standard Time), with the toss at 6:15 AM IST. For local fans in New Zealand, that’s 2:15 PM NZDT (New Zealand Daylight Time), while in Pakistan, it’s 6:15 AM PST (Pakistan Standard Time). The match kicks off at 1:15 AM GMT, making it a late-night or early-morning watch depending on your time zone. Hosted at the picturesque Hagley Oval in Christchurch, known for its batsman-friendly pitches, this Christchurch T20I could see some high-scoring action if the weather holds up—forecasts suggest clear skies for March 16.
This timing aligns with the PAK vs NZ 2025 schedule, which includes five T20Is followed by three ODIs, running from March 16 to April 5. The early start reflects New Zealand’s daytime scheduling, offering a fresh challenge for Pakistan’s players adjusting to the conditions.
How to Watch: Live Streaming and Telecast
Can’t make it to Christchurch? No worries—NZ vs PAK 1st T20I live streaming is available for fans worldwide. In India, catch the action live on Sony Sports Network, with streaming on SonyLIV and FanCode apps. In Pakistan, options like Tapmad (paid) and Tamasha (free) will bring the game to your screens, while New Zealand viewers can tune into local broadcasters. Check your region’s listings for exact details, but this clash is set to be a global spectacle, especially after both teams’ recent outings in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Build-Up: Teams, Squads, and Context
The Pakistan tour of New Zealand 2025 comes hot on the heels of a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign for Pakistan, where they bowed out in the group stage. Under new T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, the team has seen a major overhaul—big names like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are absent, signaling a fresh start. The squad features emerging talents like Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, and Mohammad Ali, alongside stalwarts like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. Vice-captain Shadab Khan returns, adding all-round depth.
New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell in the absence of IPL-bound stars like Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, and Devon Conway, will field a mix of youth and experience. Daryl Mitchell, Finn Allen, and Ish Sodhi headline a squad that includes Kyle Jamieson (for the first three games) and Matt Henry (for games 4 and 5). Fresh off a Champions Trophy final loss to India, the Kiwis are eager to bounce back on home soil.
Squads:
- Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan.
- New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes (games 4-5), Mitch Hay, Matt Henry (games 4-5), Kyle Jamieson (games 1-3), Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke (games 1-3), Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.
What to Expect: T20 Series Preview
This T20 series preview pits two teams in transition against each other. Pakistan’s new-look side will rely on its pace attack—think Afridi and Rauf tearing in under Christchurch’s lively conditions—while their batting will need untested players to step up. New Zealand, meanwhile, boasts a balanced unit despite missing key names. Hagley Oval’s history favors teams chasing, with a high success rate for sides batting second in T20Is, so the toss could be crucial.
The rivalry has history too. Pakistan dominated New Zealand 4-1 in a T20I series earlier this year at home, but the Kiwis retaliated with a 4-1 win on their turf in January 2025. With both sides eyeing the cricket updates for form ahead of future ICC events, this opener could set the tone for an intense series.
Key Battles to Watch
- Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Finn Allen: Can Pakistan’s pace spearhead rattle New Zealand’s explosive opener?
- Shadab Khan vs Daryl Mitchell: A spin vs power-hitting duel that could swing the middle overs.
- Hagley Oval Pitch: Will it favor batsmen as usual, or could early swing assist the bowlers?
Final Thoughts
The Pakistan vs New Zealand first T20 2025 time—6:45 AM IST on March 16—marks the start of a thrilling chapter for both teams. Whether you’re tuning in for the match timing, the squads, or the sheer drama of T20 cricket, this game at Hagley Oval is not to be missed. Who’ll draw first blood in this five-match saga? Drop your predictions below, and stay locked in for more cricket updates as the series unfolds!
