With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 quick approaching, cricket fanatics worldwide are eagerly analyzing the prospects of the eight collaborating groups. Scheduled to be performed in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9, this version marks the event’s return after an eight-year hiatus. Pakistan, being the host of the worldwide occasion, will enter the competitors as one of many strongest contenders for the coveted title, given their present title reign within the prestigious competitors.
Pakistan’s current kind in ODI cricket
Pakistan have proven a combined but promising efficiency in ODIs since their disappointing exit from the 2023 World Cup. They’ve received eight out of their final 12 matches, together with a 2-1 collection victory towards Australia and a 2-0 clear sweep towards South Africa, each away from house. These outcomes spotlight their potential to dominate in acquainted circumstances. Nonetheless, their current tri-series efficiency at house, the place they misplaced two out of three matches to New Zealand, raised issues about consistency. Regardless of this, the workforce’s means to chase down an enormous 353-run goal towards South Africa within the tri-series, led by Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha’s centuries, underscores their resilience and batting depth.
Squad composition and key absences
Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 is a mix of expertise and rising expertise. Led by captain Rizwan, the workforce options stalwarts like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen Afridi. Nonetheless, the absence of in-form opener Saim Ayub attributable to harm has pressured a reshuffle within the prime order, with Babar prone to open alongside Fakhar. The recall of Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf has drawn criticism, given their inconsistent performances. Moreover, the dearth of a second specialist spinner, with Abrar Ahmed being the one choice, may very well be a major weak spot on spin-friendly pitches.
Pakistan’s efficiency in Champions Trophy historical past
Pakistan have a storied historical past within the Champions Trophy, with their most notable achievement being their title win in 2017. Below Sarfaraz Ahmed’s captaincy, they defeated India in a memorable remaining, because of Fakhar Zaman’s century and a dominant bowling show. This victory stays a supply of inspiration for the present squad. Pakistan additionally reached the semi-finals in 2004 and 2009, showcasing their means to carry out in high-pressure tournaments.
Fixtures, venues, and opponents
Pakistan’s group-stage matches in Group A might be high-octane encounters towards India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. They’ll open their marketing campaign towards New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi, adopted by a marquee conflict towards India on February 23 in Dubai. Their remaining group match might be towards Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi. Taking part in at house, Pakistan will profit from acquainted circumstances and passionate native assist, however the stress to carry out might be immense.
Additionally READ: CT 2025: Pakistan’s report within the historical past of ICC Champions Trophy
Evaluating Pakistan’s group-stage rivals
New Zealand
Power: New Zealand are recognized for its consistency and flexibility in ICC tournaments. With skilled gamers like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell, they possess a balanced batting lineup. Their tempo assault, that includes Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, provides depth, whereas Mitchell Santner’s spin gives management within the center overs.
Weak spot: The absence of Tim Southee and Trent Boult leaves their tempo assault comparatively inexperienced. Moreover, their center order generally struggles to speed up in essential moments, which may very well be a vulnerability in high-pressure video games.
Risk: New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and strategic gameplay make them a harmful opponent. Their means to take advantage of swing-friendly circumstances may bother Pakistan’s prime order.
India
Power: India boast a formidable batting lineup that includes Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill. Their spin assault, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, is likely one of the finest on the planet. Regardless of Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, their depth in expertise makes them a powerful contender.
Weak spot: The shortage of a dependable fifth bowling choice and the inexperience of their tempo assault with out Bumrah may very well be exploited. Moreover, their historical past of faltering in knockout phases stays a priority.
Risk: India’s spin-heavy technique and skill to dominate in subcontinent-like circumstances in Dubai pose a major problem. Their current 3-0 collection win over England highlights their kind and confidence.
Bangladesh
Power: Bangladesh’s energy lie of their bowling assault, that includes Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman. Their skilled gamers like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim present stability within the center order.
Weak spot: Inconsistency in batting and the dearth of energy hitters within the decrease order are main weaknesses. Their current ODI kind, together with losses to Afghanistan and West Indies, raises issues.
Risk: Bangladesh’s means to take advantage of spin-friendly circumstances and their improved fielding may make them a tough opponent, particularly if their prime order fires.