New Delhi [India], December 25: The Champions Trophy is set to make its highly anticipated return to the cricketing calendar after an eight-year hiatus, beginning February 19, 2025. The tournament will run for 19 days and feature 15 thrilling matches, as announced by the ICC.
On February 23, cricket fans can look forward to a blockbuster encounter between India and Pakistan, scheduled for Super Sunday. Although India has dominated most ICC events historically, Pakistan holds a slight edge in the Champions Trophy, leading the head-to-head record 3-2. Notably, Pakistan’s triumph in the 2017 Champions Trophy final marked their first-ever title win in the tournament. Since then, however, India has won nine of their 11 encounters against Pakistan across all formats. India is expected to field a team with many players from their undefeated 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup squad, ensuring a highly competitive match.
The rivalry between Australia and South Africa will also be reignited in the Champions Trophy. Their semi-final clash in the 2023 Cricket World Cup was a thrilling affair, with South Africa’s campaign ending in heartbreak after a narrow three-wicket loss. Australia eventually claimed their sixth World Cup title. Their upcoming Champions Trophy match will see these two teams renew their rivalry, with subcontinental conditions favouring both powerful batting line-ups and talented spinners.
Afghanistan will face Australia in Lahore in another exciting contest. The Afghanistan team, boosted by their historic win over Australia in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and a close challenge in the 2023 World Cup, will be looking to make history in the 50-over format. Led by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s formidable spin attack will challenge Australia’s aggressive batting.
Despite their recent struggles in ODIs since the 2023 Cricket World Cup, South Africa and England remain formidable forces in international cricket. England, the 2019 World Cup champions, bring an explosive batting style, while South Africa’s balanced bowling attack is well-suited to counter England’s aggression. Their upcoming Champions Trophy clash in Karachi promises to be an exhilarating contest.
India’s recent victory over New Zealand in the 2023 Cricket World Cup ended a long-standing jinx, marking their first ICC event win against the Black Caps since 2003. India triumphed in both group-stage matches and a thrilling semi-final. However, New Zealand avenged those defeats in the ICC World Test Championship, securing a historic 3-0 series win and ending India’s 12-year unbeaten streak. Their upcoming Champions Trophy encounter is set to add another exciting chapter to their intense rivalry.