Tag: Champions Trophy 2025

Former cricketer Basit Ali believes that if Pakistan defeat India in their high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match tomorrow, it will be an upset given the current form of both teams.

Basit Ali, while speaking on ARY News’ show Har Lamha Purjosh, assessed Pakistan’s current form and stated that India are overwhelming favorites heading into the contest.

“The way Pakistan is playing cricket, India has an 85 percent chance of winning, while Pakistan’s chances stand at only 15 percent,” Basit remarked.

“If Pakistan wins, it will be a big upset.”

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Echoing his sentiments, former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal also acknowledged India’s dominance and stated that while an upset is possible, Pakistan will need to strike early with the ball to stand a chance.

“We can call it an upset because the Indian team is complete,” Akmal said. “The only chance for Pakistan to win is by taking early wickets with the new ball.”

Highlighting Pakistan’s weaknesses, Akmal pointed out their struggles in the middle overs and lack of bowling depth.

“We only have one spinner in the middle overs, we are not taking wickets with the new ball, and we are conceding too many runs in the death overs,” he added.

Going a step further, Akmal predicted that India have a 90 percent chance of winning, leaving Pakistan with just a 10 percent probability of pulling off a victory.

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It’s worth noting that Pakistan are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 60-run loss to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi.

Meanwhile, India started their Champions Trophy campaign with a convincing win against Bangladesh as they comfortably chased a 229-run target against Bangladesh, thanks to a brilliant 101-run knock by Shubman Gill.

Historically, Pakistan has a slight edge over India in the Champions Trophy, winning three out of their five meetings.

Their last encounter in the tournament was the 2017 final, where Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side produced a dominant performance, thrashing India by 180 runs to lift their first-ever Champions Trophy title.

READ: Champions Trophy: What are Pakistan’s chances if India clash gets washed out?

Pakistan cricket team is set to face arch-rivals India in a must-win ICC Champions Trophy 2025 encounter on February 23 in Dubai, however, there are concerns about the weather disrupting the game.

With Pakistan reeling from a crushing 60-run loss against New Zealand, this fixture is do-or-die for Mohammad Rizwan’s men, who currently sit at the bottom of Group A with zero points and an NRR of -1.2.

India, on the other hand, started their campaign strong, chasing down Bangladesh’s 229-run target with ease, thanks to Shubman Gill’s century. They sit second in the group with two points and an NRR of 0.4.

With the weather in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) transitioning away from winter, cloudy conditions and occasional showers have been reported in some areas.

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On February 18, Dubai even witnessed rainfall, raising concerns that the weather might impact India’s opener against Bangladesh. Luckily, the match went ahead as planned.

For February 23, the National Centre of Meteorology predicts fair to partly cloudy skies, with a slight chance of light rain in some northern areas. However, in Dubai, the probability of rain remains just 1%, with 27% cloud cover and wind gusts of 30 km/h.

Nevertheless, if the game gets washed out, both Pakistan and India will share one point each, making the Green Shirt’s qualification scenario trickier.

For Pakistan to keep hope alive, they must secure a decisive victory over Bangladesh, ideally with a significant margin to elevate their net run rate (NRR).

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However, they would also need to rely on New Zealand’s results, wishing for them to triumph over both India and Bangladesh.

In this case, Pakistan and India would find themselves tied on points, and the net run rate (NRR) will determine which team will join New Zealand in the semi-finals.

Another possible scenario is Bangladesh beating New Zealand while Pakistan secure a victory over Bangladesh. In this case, both Pakistan and India will qualify for the semi-finals.

READ: Champions Trophy: Yuvraj Singh backs Pakistan to have edge over India

Playing XIs

Australia: Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

England: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

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The 2025 edition marks the return of the ICC Champions Trophy after an eight-year break, with the last tournament being held in 2017, where Pakistan defeated their arch-rivals India in the final.

The eight-team tournament will feature 15 matches over 19 days, taking place in Pakistan and Dubai.

The teams are divided into two groups for the initial stage. Each team will play three group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

Group A consists of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.

READ: Shane Watson names THIS player to shine at Champions Trophy

Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh believes Pakistan hold the upper hand against India ahead of their much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 showdown in Dubai on February 23.

In a recent interview, Yuvraj pointed out that Pakistan’s extensive experience of playing in Dubai gives them a key advantage over their arch-rivals.

“I actually think Pakistan has an advantage because they have a base in Dubai. They have played a lot of cricket there and understand the conditions well,” he said.

He emphasized that an India-Pakistan clash isn’t just about big names but about handling pressure and adapting to the situation.

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“You talk about match-winners—yes, I agree with Shahid Afridi that we have more match-winners. But I believe that even if Pakistan has fewer match-winners, one player can still take the game away,” Yuvraj Singh added.

“The game is not just about match-winners; it’s about playing in the moment and not letting expectations get the better of you. The team that does this better will win.”

It’s worth noting that Pakistan are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 60-run loss to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi.

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Meanwhile, India started their Champions Trophy campaign with a convincing win against Bangladesh as they comfortably chased a 229-run target against Bangladesh, thanks to a brilliant 101-run knock by Shubman Gill.

Historically, Pakistan has a slight edge over India in the Champions Trophy, winning three out of their five meetings.

Their last encounter in the tournament was the 2017 final, where Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side produced a dominant performance, thrashing India by 180 runs to lift their first-ever Champions Trophy title.

READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Former cricketer names Pakistan’s ‘biggest threat’ against India

Former India spinner Piyush Chawla has identified middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha as the biggest weapon of Pakistan against the Men in Blue ahead of their much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash.

Speaking in a recent interview, Chawla highlighted Salman Agha’s attacking approach, which was on full display during Pakistan’s record-breaking run chase against South Africa in the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series.

The right-hander also played a crucial role in Pakistan’s opening game of the Champions Trophy, scoring a brisk 42 off 28 balls against New Zealand under pressure in Karachi.

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“The biggest threat from the Pakistan team is Salman Ali Agha because he’s the kind of player who can change the course of a game on his day,” Piyush Chawla said.

“He’s an attacking batsman, and we have seen what he is capable of. When Pakistan was chasing 350-odd runs against South Africa, the kind of hundred he got was remarkable.

“He’s an aggressive player who can turn the game around.”

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However, Piyush Chawla backed India to have the upper hand in the much-anticipated fixture, citing their strong record against Pakistan in ICC events and their recent form.

“Based on form, India has the edge because, in ICC tournaments, especially in the one-day format, India has performed well against Pakistan,” he noted.

“Pakistan does have a slight advantage in the Champions Trophy, but looking at the current form—the way the Indian team is playing and how Pakistan struggled against New Zealand—India has a better chance.”

READ: Former Australian great predicts winner of Pakistan-India Champions Trophy clash

Former all-rounder Shane Watson has named Glenn Maxwell as the stand-out player for Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Watson has backed the explosive batter to shine in the marquee event following his brilliant form in the Big Bash League this season.

“The stand-out player for me is Glenn Maxwell,” Watson wrote in his recent ICC column.

“With what I have seen recently, especially in the Big Bash, I believe he has some of his best cricket in front of him across the next two or three years, and I would be very surprised if he does not dominate this Champions Trophy,” said the event Ambassador.

He also mentioned his incredible innings against Afghanistan in the ICC World Cup 2023, where he smashed a breathtaking double-century.

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“He had that incredible innings against Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where he scored a double century, but he has struggled to be consistent at times. That’s the nature of his role in the team.

“However, it now just feels like it has all fallen into place for him, and that’s with everything in his life, not just his cricket, so I think he will play a pivotal part,” Watson added.

With key Australian players not part of the team for the Champions Trophy, Watson still believes that the Aussies will be a team to beat.

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“I think Australia will be very hard to beat, even if their bowling squad is not quite as experienced as they might otherwise have been,” remarked Watson.

Glenn Maxwell was also pivotal to Australia’s Cricket World Cup triumph in 2023, finishing with 400 runs from nine games.

For the unaware, Australia will be without their pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. They will play their first match of the eight-nation tournament against England tomorrow at Lahore’s newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium.

READ: Former Australian great predicts winner of Pakistan-India Champions Trophy clash

Former Australian great Steve Waugh shared his prediction for the highly-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for Sunday.

Waugh, who led Australia to the World Cup victory in 1999, stated that India is the favorite to win the match against Pakistan. However, he did not rule out hosts, citing their unpredictability.

“An India-Pakistan game is more than a cricket match. It’s a huge event. Pakistan has been hot and cold over the last 12 months.”

“They are capable of doing really good things, so you are never sure what Pakistan side is going to turn up. India is the favourite, but it would not surprise me either if Pakistan wins the game,” Waugh said.

He further addressed the discussion around the Indian stalwart Virat Kohli, stating that it is too early to write him off.

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“I never write off great players. People said that Steve Smith was out of form, and as soon as you say that, they go out and score a hundred.”

“If people write off someone like Virat Kohli, it’s probably the best thing they can do because it will motivate him to perform well,” Waugh said in a virtual media interaction.

Steve Waugh highlighted Kohli’s mental barrier when playing outside off-stump balls.

“The tendency to hang the bat outside off stump is something he could rectify pretty quickly. It comes down to concentration and focus, ” said the former captain.

“Maybe those are the areas that are down at the moment. Maybe he thinks too far ahead, or thinks about the consequences rather than playing it one ball at a time,” he said.

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For the unaware, the hosts and defending Champions Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand.

They will now face arch-rivals India in the much-awaited clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23 before returning home to square off against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

READ: Champions Trophy: ‘He will regain his form soon’ Steve Smith heaps praise on Babar Azam

LAHORE: Australia captain Steve Smith praised Pakistan batter Babar Azam and backed him to regain form ahead of their opening match against England in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Babar has been the Pakistani mainstay in the batting for over a few years and is currently struggling for form after a string of low scores. He last scored his ODI hundred back in Asia Cup 2023 against Nepal.

While addressing the pre-match presser, Smith hailed Babar Azam as a top-quality player.

“Babar Azam is a very skillful player; his technique is very good. He has not been scoring well for some time, which is part of the game. I hope he will regain his form soon,” said Smith.

He further expressed confidence in his team and backed them to do well, acknowledging the absence of pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc.

“We are pretty much relaxed and preparing for tommorow’s match. Although some of big players are not playing in this event but we are doing our preparation,” said the stand-in skipper.

He highlighted the England team’s performance, especially in white-balls; however, he said we know what we need to do in tomorrow’s match.

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“England is a good team, especially in White-balls, we know what to do in the encounter against them, we will announce our playing XI at the toss,” he said.

While answering the question regarding the Australian team’s dominance in ICC events, Smith stated that Aussies handle pressure very well.

“I don’t know about the reason behind success of the Australian team in ICC tournaments; I think our team handles pressure very well in these kind of tournaments,” said Smith.

Smith also acknowledged Pakistan’s warm hospitality, along with state-of-the-art facilities in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

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“Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium is beautiful, and the facilities and dressing rooms are top-notch. Pakistan’s hospitality is very good, and the people and food here are amazing,” concluded Smith.

For the unversed, Australia will lock horns against England tomorrow to win their first match in the Champions Trophy since 2009.

READ: Champions Trophy: Haris Rauf issues bold statement ahead of India clash

DUBAI: Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf has made a bold statement ahead of the high-octane clash against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be played here on 23 February.

While talking to the media, Rauf emphasized that the Men in Green are focused and composed ahead of their match against India, downplaying the concerns about the team’s morale after the defeat against New Zealand in the event’s opener.

“There’s no pressure at all; everyone is relaxed, and we’ll approach the match just like any other normal game,” Rauf said.

The fast bowler highlighted that the team is confident in giving their best in the next match.

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“All the boys are positive and will try their best. Every match is important for us, and everyone will give their maximum effort.”

“The goal is to put in full effort across all three departments and plan accordingly to win this match,” said the pacer.

While answering a question regarding the injuries of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub and their impact on the team, he stated that injuries are part and parcel of the game and could happen to anybody at any time.

“Injuries can happen anytime—you can even get injured while walking. Some things are beyond your control, and there’s no point in overthinking them. It has nothing to do with coaching or anything else,” he explained.

Keeping Pakistan’s recent success in mind at the venue, Haris Rauf admitted the importance of their record against India.

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“No doubt, we have defeated India twice at this venue, and we will try to play the same kind of cricket that helped us win those matches. Many of the boys are confident that it will be a good game,” he added.

Haris Rauf further stated that the pitch depends on what conditions are demanding, and this pitch could also favour spinners.

“The record here is quite good, but in the end, it all depends on what the conditions demand. Sometimes, it turns into a spin-friendly track, but the focus is to utilize the conditions in the best possible way,” he concluded.

It’s worth noting that the defending champions and hosts Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand.

Pakistan will now face arch-rivals India in the much-awaited clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23 before returning home to square off against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Champions Trophy: Jos Buttler banks on PSL experience ahead of Australia match

LAHORE: England captain Jos Buttler has emphasized the importance of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) experience ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Australia.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Buttler expressed confidence in his side while acknowledging the challenges posed by local conditions.

“We had a few practice sessions in Lahore, which have been quite beneficial,” he said. “Our top three batters are in great form, and we’ll be looking to step onto the field with a solid combination.”

With England set to face tough competition, Jos Buttler highlighted the significance of putting runs on the board.

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“We will try to score as many runs as possible to put pressure on the opposition,” he added.

He recognized the challenges his team faced during their time in India, where the conditions proved difficult and unfavourable.

Nevertheless, he expressed optimism that the valuable experience his teammates gained while competing in the PSL would serve as a crucial advantage.

“The conditions here in Pakistan will be different from India,” he stated. “However, we have players in our squad who have played in the PSL, and they are sharing their experience with us, which is proving to be valuable.”

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England will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on February 22 against arch-rivals Australia at Lahore’s newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium.

The second group match will be against Afghanistan on February 26, also at Gaddafi Stadium, while their final group stage encounter is scheduled for March 1 against South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi.

It’s worth noting that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on 20 February revealed their Playing XI for the match against Australia.

England Playing XI for Australia clash: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Mark Wood.

READ: Former Pakistan captain offers valuable advice to Imam-ul-Haq ahead of India clash