Patiala, 25 December (Sports Desk)
With the ICC Champions Trophy returning after an eight-year hiatus, anticipation is building. The tournament, running from February 19th to March 9th, 2025, promises 15 exciting matches. Here are five key contests to watch:
1. Pakistan v India, Dubai (February 23rd):
This Super Sunday clash between arch-rivals is always a highlight of any ICC event. While India has generally dominated Pakistan in ICC tournaments, Pakistan holds a 3-2 head-to-head record in the Champions Trophy, including their victory in the 2017 final. However, since that final, India has won nine of the eleven encounters between the two sides across all formats. India, coming off a strong showing at the 2023 Cricket World Cup, will present a formidable challenge.
2. Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi (February 25th):
These two teams last met in a thrilling 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-final, which Australia won by three wickets. South Africa, who had a strong showing in the group stage, will be looking for revenge after that heartbreaking loss. Australia, on the other hand, will be aiming to continue their winning ways after their World Cup triumph. This match, played in sub-continent conditions, promises a close contest between two powerful sides.
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3. Afghanistan v Australia, Lahore (February 28th):
Afghanistan will be looking to build on their recent success against Australia in the T20 format, where they secured a historic win at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. While Glenn Maxwell’s incredible innings thwarted them at the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan’s spin attack, led by Rashid Khan, will be a significant threat in the familiar conditions of Lahore. They will be aiming to achieve their first ODI victory against Australia.
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4. South Africa v England, Karachi (March 1st):
Despite inconsistent ODI form since the 2023 World Cup, both England and South Africa possess talented squads capable of producing top-level performances. England’s aggressive batting lineup will face a stern test against South Africa’s versatile bowling attack, setting the stage for an exciting encounter.
5. New Zealand v India, Dubai (March 2nd):
India broke their ICC tournament hoodoo against New Zealand at the 2023 Cricket World Cup, winning twice – once in the group stage and again in the semi-final. However, New Zealand recently gained revenge by securing a 3-0 Test series victory against India, ending India’s 12-year unbeaten home streak. This match promises to be a compelling contest with both teams eager to prove themselves.Sources and related content
