Tag: Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra on Monday thanked his support staff and well-wishers for the care after a freak on-field accident as he returned to action with a match-winning century that booked his side’s passage to the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Ravindra hit 112 as New Zealand marched into the semis, taking India along with them, after his team’s win over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.

The result meant that Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan both crash out of contention for a place in the semis in the 50-over tournament of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Ravindra’s fourth ODI ton, on his Champions Trophy debut, sealed New Zealand’s chase of 237 with 23 balls and five wickets to spare.

The left-hander missed New Zealand’s opening victory over Pakistan after being hit by the ball on his forehead when fielding in a recent tri-series match against the same opponents.

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“Yeah, definitely a freak accident,” Rachin Ravindra told reporters on Monday. “I think things like that don’t really happen too often.”

“I’m very grateful to have a great support crew around me in terms of Black Caps set up, coaches and doc and physio that have been able to come out of it reasonably well and I’m extremely grateful for the love and support of everyone.”

Ravindra walked into bat with New Zealand in trouble at 15-2 and put on key stands including a 129-run fourth-wicket partnership with Tom Latham, who hit 55.

The knock came after Michael Bracewell returned figures of 4-26 with off-spin to restrict Bangladesh to 236-9.

“It’s obviously been interesting dealing with the return to play protocols and stuff,” said Ravindra.

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“But having the support around me has been great and being able to come here and contribute to a win for the Black Caps, an environment that I hold dearly and I enjoy so much playing for… it was cool to come back and really enjoy my cricket again after that weird moment.”

Ravindra’s latest knock re-affirmed his love for ICC events – he struck a ton on his ODI World Cup debut in 2023 and added another later in the tournament against Pakistan.

“He’s doing Rachin things I guess,” said skipper Mitchell Santner who was full of praise for the 25-year-old who struck 12 fours and a six.

“He loves ICC events. Looks like he never left the game. He wasn’t as fluid as he’d have liked but when he gets going he’s tough to stop. His partnerships were good too.”

New Zealand play their final group match against India in Dubai on Sunday.

READ: Pakistan likely to play five-match Test series against England: reports

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan-led team reached here on Monday for their last group game against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash, scheduled to be played on Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

The squad arrived from Dubai after their defeat in a one-side encounter against arch-rivals on 23 February.

The Pakistan team will practice at the Islamabad club tomorrow evening for their game against Bangladesh.

For the unversed, Bangladesh and Pakistan have been eliminated from the multi-nation tournament following their defeats to India and New Zealand, respectively.

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Pakistan suffered a crushing six-wicket defeat on Sunday against the arch-rivals India.

While batting first, Pakistan managed a modest 241 before getting bowled out in the final over. In reply, India cruised to victory with 45 balls to spare, thanks to a masterclass from Virat Kohli, who notched up a brilliant century.

Earlier, Bangladesh succumbed to defeat against New Zealand. The Black Caps chased down the modest 237-run total in 46.1 overs with five wickets in hand.

The match between Bangladesh and Pakistan will be played on 27 February at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

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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: Key England player ruled out of Champions Trophy, replacement named

Batting maestro Virat Kohli achieved another milestone in international cricket during the Pakistan-India clash in the fifth match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The right-hander smashed his 51st ODI century, leading the Indian team home in a 242-run chase. He top-scored with 100 off 111 balls, hitting seven fours in a comprehensive chase against the arch-rivals.

However, the stalwart also achieved multiple milestones during the highly-anticipated match between Pakistan and India.

During the crucial game, Virat Kohli surpassed the Australian legend Ricky Ponting to become the third-highest scorer in international cricket.

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The talismanic batter has now amassed 27,503 runs in 614 innings at an average of 52.38. His runs tally includes 82 centuries and 142 half-centuries.

The Indian batter crossed the former Australian captain’s mark of 27,483 runs, elevating to third place in an elite list.

The only players ahead of him are now legendary India and Srilanka batter’s Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.

Most runs in international cricket

Sachin Tendulkar – 34,357

Kumar Sangakara – 28,016

Virat Kohli – 27,503*

Ricky Ponting – 27,483

During the match, the batter also became the fastest player ever to cross 14,000 runs in ODIs, achieving the feat in 287 innings.

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While coming in to bat, he required only 15 runs to break this record; Kohli achieved the milestone with his trademark cover drive in the 12th over of the match in his 287th innings.

Virat Kohli achieved the feat significantly faster than Sachin Tendulkar, who reached the landmark in his 350th innings during a match against Pakistan in Peshawar back in 2006.

The run machine also broke the record for taking the most catches for India in the format.

Before coming into the highly-anticipated clash, Virat Kohli was tied with his compatriot Mohammad Azharuddin. He took two more catches to go past the former captain.

Most catches by an Indian fielder in ODIs

Virat Kohli – 158 catches

Mohammad Azharuddin – 156 catches

Sachin Tendulkar – 140 catches

READ: Hafeez wants Pakistan to move on from Shaheen, Haris, Naseem

RAWALPINDI: Rachin Ravindra’s century and Michael Bracewell’s four-wicket haul powered New Zealand into the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as they defeated Bangladesh by five wickets here on Monday.

With New Zealand securing victory, the hosts and defending champions Pakistan crashed out from the multi-nation tournament after losing their first two matches.

New Zealand chased down the modest 237 runs total in 46.1 overs with five wickets in hand. The Black Caps became the second team to qualify for the knock-out stage along with India.

After returning from an injury, Rachin Ravindra was the star of the show, smashing 112 runs in the chase.

Bangladesh struck early with in-form New Zealand opener Will Young’s wicket in the first over. Taskin Ahmed bowled a beautiful delivery to get rid of the batter on a duck.

New Zealand stalwart Kane Williamson (5) joined Devon Conway (30) at the crease after the early breakthrough, however, his stay at the crease was short as he fell prey to Nahid Rana in the third over.

After early trouble, Ravindra came to the crease and forged a crucial 57-run partnership. Devon Conway looked promising before being bowled out in the 15th over, leaving New Zealand on the score of 72-3.

However, Ravindra’s resilience and brilliant stroke play kept New Zealand in the hunt, keeping Bangladesh bowlers at bay. He put on a 129 (136) stand on the fourth wicket with Tom Latham.

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The southpaw scored his 4th ODI century before departing on 112 runs off 105 balls. The left-hander’s calm and composed innings included 12 fours and one six.

New Zealand were 201-4 in 38 overs and required only 36 runs after his departure.

Tom Latham was run out in the 41st over after scoring 55 runs off 76 deliveries, laced with three four. But it was too little too late for Bangladesh.

Glenn Phillips (21*) formed a partnership with 26 runs on the sixth wicket with Michael Bracewell.

The duo finished the job for New Zealand as they reached the target with 23 deliveries to spare.

For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rehman, and Taskin Ahmed picked up wickets.

Earlier, Michael Bracewell’s four wickets and clinical bowling performance from New Zealand restricted Bangladesh to 236.

After being invited to bat first, Bangladesh openers Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto provided a good start with a 45-run partnership. Hasan (24) was looking good before perishing to off-spinner Bracewell.

He struck two sixes and one four in his run-a-ball innings. After his wicket, Bangladesh stumbled with wickets at regular intervals.

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The experienced batters comprising Mehdi Hasan Miraz (13), Mushfiqur Rahim (4), and Mahmudullah (4) fell prey to Bracewell’s magical spin bowling.

The middle order of Bangladesh faltered again, with captain Shanto being the highest scorer with his 77 runs knock, holding the innings together. He fell in the 37th over off Will O’Rourke after helping Bangladesh reach 163 for six in 37.2 overs. The skipper’s brisk innings included seven fours.

He forged a crucial partnership of 45 runs with Jaker Ali (45) on the sixth wicket. After his dismissal, Ali added another 35 runs with Rishad Hossein on eighth wicket. Hossein scored 26 off 25 balls.

Michael Bracewell was the stand-out bowler for New Zealand, taking four wickets for 26 runs in his ten overs. O’Rourke also chipped in with his two wickets.

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez lashed out at pacers Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah over their recent struggles in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan suffered a crushing six-wicket defeat on Sunday against the arch-rivals India, leaving their title defence hanging by a thread.

While batting first, Pakistan managed a modest 241 before getting bowled out in the final over. In reply, India cruised to victory with 45 balls to spare, thanks to a masterclass from Virat Kohli, who notched up a brilliant century.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

After the match, Mohammad Hafeez called for major changes in Pakistan’s bowling attack, highlighting the recent failures of fast bowlers.

“The trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf failed to deliver in the 2023 Asia Cup, 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and now in the Champions Trophy 2025,” Hafeez said.

“It’s time to acknowledge that, despite their talent, they haven’t proven themselves capable of winning big tournaments for Pakistan.

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“Let’s move on and give opportunities to other bowlers like Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, and Mir Hamza. These players are waiting for their chances—they are also Pakistani, and they deserve an opportunity.”

Mohammad Hafeez also drew comparisons between Babar Azam and former great Inzamam-ul-Haq. He pointed out that Babar has failed to produce a match-winning performance against India in a decade-long career.

“Inzamam bhai used to win matches for Pakistan in tough conditions. Babar Azam has not been able to win a single game against India after playing for 10 years,” Hafeez remarked.

READ: ‘Can’t have five genuine bowlers in ODIs’: Rizwan defends Pakistan’s team selection

RAWALPINDI: New Zealand have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Bangladesh in the sixth match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Playing XIs

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tohwid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman

New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke

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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: Wasim Akram lashes out at Pakistan cricket team after loss against India

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has defended the decision to include only one specialist spinner in the national team’s squad for the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Abrar Ahmed is the only specialist spinner in Pakistan’s squad, while Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah serve as part-time spin options.

Given the conditions in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), many former cricketers have questioned the decision to include only one specialist spinner in the squad.

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However, after the team’s six-wicket defeat against India yesterday, Mohammad Rizwan defended this choice, stating that a team cannot field five specialist bowlers in an ODI match.

“In ODIs, you can’t have five genuine bowlers. Naseem [Shah], Shaheen [Afridi], Haris [Rauf], Abrar,” he said.

“The fifth, you see New Zealand have [Mitchell] Santner and [Michael] Bracewell, India have [Ravindra] Jadeja and [Axar] Patel.”

The wicket-keeper batter expressed faith in Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah, calling them the best available all-rounders.

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“The best we had, the selectors picked them – Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah. If we go with two genuine spinners, that means we are going with five bowlers and six batters and we can’t make a combo of that,” Rizwan added.

“So yeah, there will be questions about having another spinner, but you can’t go in with five genuine bowlers in an ODI. Maybe in a T20.”

It’s worth noting that the six-wicket loss against India has left Pakistan in a precarious position, leaving their title defence hanging by a thread.

While batting first, Pakistan managed a modest 241 before getting bowled out in the final over. In reply, India cruised to victory with 45 balls to spare, thanks to a masterclass from Virat Kohli, who notched up a brilliant century.

READ: Former Pakistan captain questions Babar Azam’s match-winning ability

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has raised questions over the impact of star batter Babar Azam in the high-pressure games after the national team’s defeat against India in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2024.

The six-wicket loss on Sunday has left the hosts in a precarious position, leaving their title defence hanging by a thread.

While batting first, Pakistan managed a modest 241 before getting bowled out in the final over. In reply, India cruised to victory with 45 balls to spare, thanks to a masterclass from Virat Kohli, who notched up a brilliant century.

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Speaking on a TV show, Mohammad Hafeez drew comparisons between Babar and former great Inzamam-ul-Haq. He pointed out that Babar has failed to produce a match-winning performance against India in a decade-long career.

“Inzamam bhai used to win matches for Pakistan in tough conditions. Babar Azam has not been able to win a single game against India after playing for 10 years,” Hafeez remarked.

He further highlighted Babar’s lack of standout performances in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, stressing that great players don’t just contribute, but dominate.

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“He [Babar] has no player of the series awards in SENA countries. Forget about the team winning or losing, you should be the player of the series,” Mohammad Hafeez added.

The former all-rounder also believes it’s time for Pakistan to look beyond underperforming players and start backing domestic performers who have been waiting for their chances.

“We need to realize these things and show him the mirror. We need to move on from the players who aren’t delivering as expected,” he added.

“It’s time to give opportunities to players who have been performing in domestic cricket. And of course, the same players will become heroes again in the PSL.”

READ: Wasim Akram lashes out at Pakistan cricket team after loss against India

Legendary Wasim Akram has heavily criticized the Pakistan cricket team after the crushing defeat against arch-rivals India in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2024.

The six-wicket loss on Sunday has left the hosts in a precarious position, leaving their title defence hanging by a thread.

While batting first, Pakistan managed a modest 241 before getting bowled out in the final over. In reply, India cruised to victory with 45 balls to spare, thanks to a masterclass from Virat Kohli, who notched up a brilliant century.

While talking to a TV show, Wasim Akram slammed the Greenshirts for their below-par performance in the field, stating that there’s a need to take ‘drastic steps’ for improvement.

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“Enough is enough. Now it is time to take drastic steps. We have been playing archaic cricket in white-ball for ages,” Akram said.

“What would that be? Bring young cricketers, fearless cricketers in white-ball format. If you need to make 5-6 changes to the team, just do it. You might keep losing for the next six months. It’s fine but start building the team for the 2026 T20 World Cup from now.”

Wasim Akram also launched a scathing attack against the bowling attack of Pakistan for their disastrous performance in the last few matches.

“A lot of chances were given. You have made them the stars. In the last five ODIs, Pakistan bowlers have managed to get 24 wickets at an average of 60. That is 60 runs per wicket,” he stated.

“Of 14 teams including Oman and USA who played international cricket this year, Pakistan has the second-lowest bowling average in the list.”

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The legendary pacer also urged the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi, to seek answers from the team’s coach, captain, and selection team about their decisions.

“Chairman sir, please call the captain, selection committee and coach and ask them what kind of selection they have made,” he urged.

“Even captain [Rizwan] is to blame. He is the leader of the ship and if he doesn’t know what kind of match-winner he needs, then it’s embarrassing.

“I have never seen anything like that in my life. It’s unfortunate. We as a nation are very passionate. But it’s frustrating.”

READ: Can Pakistan still qualify for Champions Trophy semi-final after India defeat?

The defending champions and hosts Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat against arch-rivals India in the high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash, leaving their title defence hanging by a thread.

The six-wicket loss on Sunday has left the hosts in a precarious position, but while their semi-final hopes look bleak, they are still not mathematically out of the tournament—at least, not yet.

While batting first, Pakistan managed a modest 241 before getting bowled out in the final over. In reply, India cruised to victory with 45 balls to spare, thanks to a masterclass from Virat Kohli, who notched up a brilliant century.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

With two defeats in as many matches, Pakistan now find itself in a desperate situation, relying not just on their own performance but also on the outcomes of the remaining Group A fixtures.

For Pakistan to have any chance of sneaking into the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, everything needs to fall perfectly into place.

Firstly, Bangladesh must beat New Zealand today to keep Pakistan’s hopes alive. Then Pakistan must defeat Bangladesh by a big margin on February 27.

A narrow win won’t be enough; they need to significantly boost their net run rate (NRR) while collecting two crucial points.

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Pakistan would then need India to beat New Zealand on March 2 comprehensively. If India dominates the Blackcaps, New Zealand will also finish with just two points, leaving NRR as the decider for the second semi-final spot.

However, if New Zealand beats Bangladesh today, Pakistan’s fate will be sealed, with both them and Bangladesh officially eliminated from the tournament.

Adding to the uncertainty, a washout in any of the remaining fixtures would also end Pakistan’s campaign prematurely.

READ: ‘Brainless Captaincy’ Shoaib Akhtar reacts to Pakistan’s loss against India