New Delhi:
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, India is set to face a formidable trio of opponents in the group stages: Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Each of these teams brings a unique set of strengths and weaknesses that could significantly impact the tournament’s outcome.
India’s journey in the Champions Trophy will begin on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on February 23, and finally, a clash with New Zealand on March 2. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is optimistic about his team’s balanced squad and enhanced pace and spin bowling capabilities. Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, boasts a potent pace attack and an experienced batting lineup, making them strong contenders. New Zealand, despite missing key fast bowlers, remains a compact and experienced side.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh has a storied history in the 50-over format, having been finalists in the Asia Cup and quarter-finalists in the 2015 World Cup. The team’s strength lies in its multi-utility cricketers such as Soumya Sarkar, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. However, consistency against top-tier opposition has always been a challenge. The absence of Shakib Al Hasan, who missed the squad due to a suspect bowling action and declining batting form, and Litton Das, excluded due to poor recent form, adds to their woes.
The top order, including captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, has struggled with consistency, but the team’s fast-bowling unit, led by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, is a significant asset. The spin options, though fragile, rely heavily on Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain. Bangladesh will face India on February 20, New Zealand on February 24, and Pakistan on February 27, making their schedule particularly challenging.
Pakistan: Pakistan, hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, is a favorite to win the tournament. Their pace attack, featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, is one of the strongest in the world. Fakhar Zaman’s return brings significant experience and form to the table. However, the injury to Saim Ayub is a notable loss for their top order, and Babar Azam’s recent form has been underwhelming.
The middle order is bolstered by skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, but concerns remain about the batting depth, particularly with Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf’s recent performances. Pakistan’s spin unit, led by Abrar Ahmed, lacks a specialist spinner beyond him, which could be a vulnerability. Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s home advantage and potent pace attack make them a formidable opponent.
New Zealand: New Zealand is known for its compact and experienced side, despite missing key fast bowlers like Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson. The team relies on dependable openers Devon Conway and Tom Latham, along with Kane Williamson’s ability to control the game in the 50-over format. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips provide the necessary firepower in the middle order.
Mitchell Santner, as the steady skipper, can control the game in the middle overs, a crucial phase in ODIs. However, New Zealand’s ability to handle opposition spinners in the middle overs is a concern, especially given the flat tracks in Pakistan and the UAE.
India will play all their matches in Dubai due to their refusal to travel to Pakistan, with the tournament being hosted in a hybrid format. The tournament begins on February 19, with key matches including India vs. Pakistan on February 23. Each team in Group A has significant strengths and weaknesses that could impact the tournament’s outcome, making the competition highly unpredictable and exciting.
