Champions Trophy 2025: National Stadium, Karachi Pitch Report & Key Stats Ahead of South Africa vs England Match
Here's the detailed pitch report of National Stadium, Karachi.
The 11th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will see South Africa taking on England at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi. This is a crucial match for South Africa, as a victory will strengthen their chances of reaching the semifinals.
England, on the other hand, have already been eliminated after suffering two consecutive defeats. They lost to Australia and Afghanistan, which ended their hopes of advancing. Meanwhile, South Africa began their campaign with a 107-run victory over Afghanistan, but their second match was abandoned due to rain.
Let’s take a detailed look at the pitch conditions for this important encounter.
National Bank Cricket Arena Pitch Report
- The pitch at Karachi has been a good batting surface, as seen in the previous games. Both New Zealand and South Africa have shown that batting first is the ideal strategy.
- Fast bowlers get some assistance early on, especially under lights, but overall, it remains a batting-friendly wicket.
- The average first-innings score in ODIs here is 241, which indicates that teams need to score around 300+ to feel safe.
- The previous two matches at this venue in the Champions Trophy 2025 have been won by teams batting first. Captains winning the toss are likely to opt for the same strategy.
National Bank Cricket Arena ODI Stats
- Total matches: 80
- Matches won batting first: 38
- Matches won bowling first: 39
- Average 1st innings score: 241
- Average 2nd innings score: 205
- Highest total recorded: 374/4 (India vs Hong Kong)
- Lowest total recorded: 93/10 (Pakistan Women vs Sri Lanka Women)
- Highest successful chase: 355/4 (Pakistan vs South Africa)
- Lowest total defended: 123/10 (Sri Lanka Women vs Pakistan Women)
Highest ODI Totals at National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi
| Team | Score | Overs | RR | Inns | Opposition | Ground | Result | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 374/4 | 50.0 | 7.48 | 1 | Hong Kong | Karachi | Won | 25-Jun-2008 |
| West Indies | 360/4 | 50.0 | 7.20 | 1 | Sri Lanka | Karachi | Won | 13-Oct-1987 |
| Pakistan | 355/4 | 49.0 | 7.24 | 2 | South Africa | Karachi | Won | 12-Feb-2025 |
| Pakistan | 353/6 | 50.0 | 7.06 | 1 | England | Karachi | Won | 15-Dec-2005 |
| South Africa | 352/5 | 50.0 | 7.04 | 1 | Pakistan | Karachi | Lost | 12-Feb-2025 |
| India | 349/7 | 50.0 | 6.98 | 1 | Pakistan | Karachi | Won | 13-Mar-2004 |
| Pakistan | 347/5 | 50.0 | 6.94 | 1 | Zimbabwe | Karachi | Won | 21-Jan-2008 |
| Pakistan | 344/8 | 50.0 | 6.88 | 2 | India | Karachi | Lost | 13-Mar-2004 |
| Pakistan | 334/6 | 50.0 | 6.68 | 1 | New Zealand | Karachi | Won | 5-May-2023 |
The National Bank Cricket Arena has proven to be a batting-friendly venue, with teams preferring to bat first and set big totals. The previous matches in Champions Trophy 2025 have followed this trend, and both South Africa and England will likely look to put up a strong total if they win the toss.
While fast bowlers might find some movement in the early overs, batting has been easier as the game progresses. With South Africa still in contention for a semifinal spot and England playing for pride, this match promises to be an exciting contest.
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