The ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on Wednesday, February 19. The tournament returns after a gap of eight years. Naturally, the fans are excited for this tournament to get underway. Several contests will determine the global event's outcome. Here are some of the key battles to look forward to.
India vs Pakistan
This is one of the most anticipated matches in Group A of the Champions Trophy India vs Pakistan. The Asian rivals meet only during the ICC events and hence, the excitement is always multifold among experts and fans. This match will played on Sunday, February 23, in Dubai. This high-stakes match will carry extra weight due to India's refusal to travel to Pakistan. Also, India have scores to settle with their archrivals after going down in the CT final in 2017. With both teams eager to finish Group A on top, this battle promises to be a cracking affair.
New Zealand vs India
Another important batte for India in Group A is the battle with the Kiwis. Often, the Mitchell Santner-led side have proved to be the thorn in the flesh for Indians in the ICC events. New Zealand knocked out India in the ICC ODI World Cup in 2019, which denied MS Dhoni a fairytale farewell. Then in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, the Kane Williamson-led side threw out India from the group stages of the tournament.
Also, in the WTC 2021 final, New Zealand denied Virat Kohli & Co maiden WTC Trophy. India were also whitewashed by the Kiwis in Tests in 2024. So, India have a lot to settle with New Zealand when they lock horns with them on March 2.
Australia vs England
The oldest rivalry in cricket - Australia vs England always lives up to the billing in any format. They will battle it out on Saturday, February 22 in Lahore. Both teams are struggling for form in ODIs and have also lost several key players due to injury. Worst, the Ashes rivals are in Group B - The Group of Death. Both teams will be looking forward to put the first knockout blow, as any slipups could cost either team a semis berth.
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Match 1: PAK vs NZ Pitch Report & Weather Updates
South Africa vs Australia
Australia are the biggest thorn in the flesh of South Africa in ICC events since 1999. These two teams often have played one of the most thrilling ODIs, right from the highest 438 ODI, to the semi-final match of the 1999 World Cup. Even the ODI World Cup 2023 match proved to be a nail-biting contest. This time, the Temba Bavuma-led side have a golden chance to take revenge for all the above losses and knock Australia out of CT.
England vs Afghanisthan
While this rivalry may not garner eyeballs as the previous four matches, there is a political narrative to the England vs Afghanistan match on March 8. With backlash and outrage by the English government to boycott the clash against Afghans, the Asian team will no doubt be spurred and look to show England they mean business. Also, the Afghans recently defeated England by 69 runs in the ODI World Cup in 2023.
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