Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has predicted the potential winner of extremely anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be held in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 19 to March 9.
Return of the event after eight-year hiatus
This version will mark the return of the Champions Trophy after a protracted eight-year hiatus, making it some of the awaited worldwide cricket occasions. Pakistan, the defending champions, received the final version in 2017, defeating arch-rivals India by 180 runs in a historic last at The Oval. Now, underneath the management of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan will purpose to duplicate that success on dwelling soil and reclaim their title.
Pakistan will start their title protection on February 19 within the opening match towards New Zealand on the Nationwide Financial institution Stadium in Karachi. This match will probably be important as it should set the tone for his or her marketing campaign. Probably the most extremely anticipated encounter of the event will happen on February 23, when Pakistan faces arch-rivals India in Dubai. Given the historic rivalry between the 2 nations, this match is predicted to be the spotlight of the group stage. Pakistan’s last group-stage match will probably be towards Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi, the place they may purpose to safe a semi-final berth.
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Sarfaraz Ahmed names the winner of the Champions Trophy 2025
Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to their historic Champions Trophy triumph in 2017, believed that Pakistan have a robust squad and an ideal probability of defending the title. He emphasised that a number of gamers from the 2017-winning staff are nonetheless a part of the squad, bringing invaluable expertise to the facet.
Talking about Pakistan’s strengths, he notably highlighted the significance of Babar Azam‘s batting. In keeping with Sarfaraz, Babar has developed right into a extra mature and dominant participant in comparison with 2017, and his skill to anchor innings will probably be essential for Pakistan. Alongside Babar, Fakhar Zaman‘s aggressive batting method will probably be important in offering fast begins on the high of the order.
On the bowling entrance, Sarfaraz additional said that the Pakistan boasted a formidable tempo assault with Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf main the cost. Sarfaraz identified that each bowlers are in wonderful type and possess the power to dismantle any batting lineup. Their tempo, swing, and accuracy make them harmful prospects, particularly in dwelling situations. Moreover, Rizwan’s captaincy and wicketkeeping expertise are anticipated to supply stability to the staff.
“Pakistan have a extremely good probability of defending that title and I feel they’ve a robust staff. A number of the boys from 2017 are nonetheless there and we’re speaking about a few of the finest – particularly Babar Azam. He’s a unique Babar to the one which performed in 2017, a extra mature participant and a dominant participant within the sport. His batting will probably be so essential for Pakistan and so will Fakhar Zaman’s. With the ball, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf are good bowlers and are taking part in effectively. The captain, Mohammad Rizwan, can also be a wicketkeeper-batter, which labored fairly effectively for me again in 2017!,” Sarfaraz was quoted as saying by the ICC.
