Fri Feb 21 10:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Champions Trophy 2025 Kicks Off with New Zealand Victory

**KARACHI, PAKISTAN** – The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 began on February 19th with an upset victory for New Zealand over hosts Pakistan. New Zealand secured a convincing 60-run win at the National Stadium in Karachi. The tournament, a 15-match affair featuring eight teams, is being co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE.

Eight teams are vying for the title: Group A consists of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand; while Group B includes Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa. Matches will be played across four venues: the National Stadium (Karachi), Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The top two teams from each group, determined by points (with wins and net run rate as tie-breakers), will advance to the semi-finals. Pakistan enters the tournament as defending champions, having triumphed in 2017. Australia and India are the most decorated teams, each holding two Champions Trophy titles. New Zealand and South Africa have won once each, while former champions Sri Lanka and the West Indies did not qualify for this edition.

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