 "Champions Trophy 2025: Complete analysis of India's opponents - Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand")
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to take place in Pakistan and UAE starting 19 February. The tournament will kick off with a game between defending champions Pakistan and New Zealand at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. India and Bangladesh are scheduled to play the second game on 20 February in Dubai.
India have been placed in a challenging group featuring Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Each of these teams brings a unique combination of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of India’s opponents at the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Bangladesh’s squad analysis
Strengths:
Bangladesh have traditionally performed well in the 50-over format, having reached the Asia Cup final multiple times and the quarter-finals of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. The presence of experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim and Mustafizur Rahman provides much-needed stability. Their squad also boasts several star players such as Soumya Sarkar, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who contribute with both bat and ball.
Weaknesses:
Consistency has always been an issue for Bangladesh, especially against higher-ranked teams like India. The absence of Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan has left a significant void in the team.
Threats:
Bangladesh have suffered defeats in five of their last six ODIs against Afghanistan and the West Indies. Additionally, their preparation for the tournament has been through the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), which is not at par with other top-level T20 leagues. A fragile top order remains a concern.
Bangladesh’s latest five ODI results:
1. Against West Indies - Bangladesh lost by 4 wickets
2. Against West Indies - Bangladesh lost by 7 wickets
3. Against West Indies - Bangladesh lost by 5 wickets
Impact Shorts
View All4. Against Afghanistan - Bangladesh won by 68 runs
5. Against Afghanistan - Bangladesh lost by 92 runs
Bangladesh’s squad: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
Pakistan’s squad analysis
Strengths:
Pakistan are coming into the Champions Trophy as the defending champions, having clinched the 2017 edition after defeating India. They have a strong squad on paper, with top players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The return of Fakhar Zaman adds firepower at the top.
Weaknesses:
Pakistan’s middle order remains a cause for concern, especially with the questionable return of Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf. Ashraf’s underwhelming ODI record and Khushdil’s long absence from the format raise doubts about their impact.
Threats:
The absence of a specialist spinner like Shadab Khan could be a major concern, especially on turning tracks. Furthermore, Pakistan’s disappointing 2023 Cricket World Cup campaign has put additional pressure on the squad to deliver in front of home fans.
Pakistan’s latest five ODI results:
1. Against New Zealand - Pakistan lost by 5 wickets
2. Against South Africa - Pakistan won by 6 wickets
3. Against New Zealand - Pakistan lost by 78 runs
4. Against South Africa - Pakistan won by 36 runs
5. Against South Africa - Pakistan won by 81 runs
Pakistan’s squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
New Zealand’s squad analysis
Strengths:
New Zealand have built momentum with an unbeaten run in the Tri-Nation Series against Pakistan and South Africa. Their batting unit, led by Kane Williamson, is among the most balanced in the tournament. The likes of Devon Conway, Will Young, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell provide ample depth and firepower.
Weaknesses:
The Kiwis have been hit hard by injuries. Ben Sears has been ruled out, while Lockie Ferguson is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the ILT20. The retirements of Trent Boult and Tim Southee further weaken their pace attack, leaving a big gap in the team.
Threats:
New Zealand’s biggest challenge will be navigating spin-friendly conditions, particularly in Pakistan and Dubai. The team will need batters to step up and ensure they don’t lose momentum in the middle overs.
New Zealand’s latest five ODI results:
1. Against Pakistan - New Zealand won by 5 wickets
2. Against South Africa - New Zealand won by 6 wickets
3. Against Pakistan - New Zealand won by 78 runs
4. Against Sri Lanka - New Zealand lost by 140 runs
5. Against Sri Lanka - New Zealand won by 113 runs
New Zealand’s squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
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