Author name: SAJAD YOUSUF

  Australia and Afghanistan are ready to face off at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 28 at 2:30 PM IST in icc champions trophy 2025. This match is crucial for both teams as the winner will go through to the semi-finals. Match Overview. Both the teams have given mixed performances in the ICC Champions Trophy till now. Australia secured an excellent victory against England, but their match against South Africa was thwarted. On the other hand, Afghanistan lost their first match badly against South Africa and bounced back with 8 8-run victories against England. Australia with 3 points is at number 2 in the points table while Afghanistan is at number 3 position with two points so this match will play the role of quarter-final. Head-to-Head Record Looking at Head to Head Australia is far better than Afghanistan but Afghanistan has shown remarkable improvement in recent years. Both teams have faced each other four times in ODIs, with Australia winning all matches. Weather and Pitch Report: The Gaddafi Stadium Lahore is known for its batting tracks it is so good for batting that we have seen so many high-scoring matches here in previous years, and dew may help more to the batters in the later second innings. The weather may interrupt the game or reduce the overs in the match while the forecast for Lahore indicates a strong possibility of rain, with a 44% chance at the start of the match. Predicted Playing XI (Australia) Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(wk), Alex Carry,  Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson. Predicted Playing XI (Afghanistan) Rahmanullah Gurban(wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Fazallhaq Farooqi. Key Players to Watch: Steven Smith; Australian Captain and experienced batsman will be crucial in their batting side. Travis Head; An aggressive batsman who can provide a quick run in the power play. Mohammad Nabi: A good all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. Rashid Khan: A top-class spinner in the Afghanistan side who has the ability to turn the game in his team’s favor. Match Prediction: So far as the previous record Australia is the favorite to win this game but Afghanistan’s spin attack especially Rashid Khan and Noor Ahamad can trouble the Ausies on the Lahore Pitch. If the top order of Afghanistan performs well in the batting they have a chance to pull off an upset. Both the teams will give their best while Australia has the upper hand on paper, But Afghanistan’s recent performances indicate that they are not also easy to face. If the rain does not interrupt the game fans can expect an exciting contest between bat and ball.

Pakistan and Bangladesh are moving towards their last game in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as both teams are out of the tournament. Pakistan and Bangladesh both lost their previous games. Now, both teams are ready to face off at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 27 February 2025. Both teams are likely to give a chance to the new players waiting on the bench. Pitch Report, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is known for its batting-friendly pitches. The bounce and carry are also good. Many high-scoring games have been played here in previous years. Batters enjoy this surface of the wicket. However, spinners may have some help as the game progresses; it might be late in the second innings. The toss-winning captain may decide to bat first to exploit the cheap batting. Weather Report. There will be some clouds in the sky on 27 Feb but may not affect the game of cricket. The temperature could be expected high at 24 degrees C and low at 14 degrees C in Rawalpindi generally fit for the game of cricket. Team Analyses:  Pakistan: Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 journey has been disappointing till now as they have lost both matches against New Zealand and India. The team is facing challenges due to injuries, Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament due to a lower back injury although Imam ul Haq was replaced but couldn’t make such an impact against India in the previous game. Despite setbacks, Pakistan has a strong Bowling lineup with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rouf. But the batting lineup is struggling to find form Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are trying to provide stability at the top but are not able to convert their starts to big scores. In this match, Pakistan may give opportunities to the new players waiting on the bench. Bangladesh:  Bangladesh was the 2017 edition semi-finalist but struggling to find their first win in the Champions Trophy 2025 they also lost their two games against New Zealand and India. After the retirement of former captain Tamim Iqbal and the suspension of all-rounder Shakib Al Hassan team has been affected badly. Mehidy Hassan Miraz and Mahmudullah are leading the spin attack, however, the pace department with Taskin Ahmad, Mustafizur Rehman, and young Nahid Rana holds potential. Bangladesh is expected to test its bench strength in this match by giving a chance to new players. Players to Watch: Nahid Rana: The young fast bowler has the ability to bowl at a speed of 150 kph. His pace may destroy Pakistan’s batting lineup. Babar Azam: Despite being out of form Babar Azam remains on the list of key players to watch because he has the ability to come back in the form any time. Taskeen Ahmad: With performance in the BPL, a record of 25 wickets makes him a key in Bangladesh’s bowling attack. Shaheen Afridi: Known for his swing bowling, and pace Afridi can put the Bangladesh batting lineup in trouble. While both teams are out of the Champions Trophy 2025 will try their first win the match to at least morale both the teams are expected to make changes in the playing xi so it is very difficult to give a list of players as expected playing xi.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is building up excitement, and one of the most anticipated encounters is set to take place tomorrow, February 25, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Pakistan. The match will feature Australia and South Africa, two teams eager to secure a vital win that could help them advance to the semifinals of the tournament. Match Details Date:** February 25, 2025 Venue:** Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan Time:** 2:30 PM IST This clash is a make-or-break game for both sides as they look to strengthen their position in the tournament. Both teams are keen on building momentum from their previous performances, with a crucial victory needed to enhance their chances of progressing further.  Australia’s Recent Form Australia has been in solid form leading up to this game. Their recent victory against England was a highlight, with Josh Inglis leading the charge with an impressive 120 runs off 86 balls, helping Australia chase down a challenging target of 352. This win was particularly noteworthy, given the absence of key players like captain Pat Cummins. The performance highlighted Australia’s adaptability to various conditions and their ability to chase daunting targets. Australia’s batting depth, with stalwarts like Inglis, David Warner, and Steve Smith, offers a blend of stability and aggression. Their bowlers, such as Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa, bring experience and skill, making Australia a formidable force in all departments.  South Africa’s Strengths South Africa is a team that cannot be overlooked. Coming off a dominant win over Afghanistan, where Ryan Rickelton’s century was a standout performance, South Africa has demonstrated a well-rounded approach to both batting and bowling. The South African pace attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, will be crucial in testing Australia’s top order. Rabada, along with Anrich Nortje, will look to make early breakthroughs, setting the tone for the match. In terms of batting, South Africa will rely on players like Rickelton, Quinton de Kock, and Aiden Markram to build strong partnerships and post a challenging total. Rawalpindi Pitch Conditions The pitch at Rawalpindi is expected to favor the batsmen, with good bounce and pace offering value for shots. However, bowlers who maintain discipline and execute their plans will still find success. Spinners may come into play in the middle overs, while seamers could generate some bounce and movement early on. Key Players to Watch Australia:   Josh Inglis: After his match-winning century against England, Inglis will play a pivotal role in stabilizing Australia’s middle order and building partnerships.   Mitchell Starc:  Known for his pace and bounce, Starc is capable of making early breakthroughs and changing the course of the game. South Africa:   Ryan Rickelton:  Rickelton’s recent century against Afghanistan makes him one of South Africa’s most dangerous batting assets heading into this match.   Kagiso Rabada:   As one of the world’s top fast bowlers, Rabada’s wicket-taking ability will be key in setting up the match for South Africa. What to Expect With both teams performing well recently, this match is sure to be a thrilling contest. Australia’s explosive batting power will face off against South Africa’s deadly pace attack, creating an intriguing battle. The Rawalpindi pitch could produce high-scoring encounters, but the team that handles pressure better will likely come out on top. Both sides boast match-winners, and individual brilliance from a key player could turn the game in favor of either team. Australia’s ability to chase big totals and South Africa’s resilience with the ball will make this a highly unpredictable and exciting match.  Broadcast Information Fans in India can catch the match live on the Star Sports Network. For those who prefer to watch on the go, the live stream will also be available on the JioCinema app.  Final Thoughts The upcoming clash between Australia and South Africa promises to be an electrifying contest. Both teams have shown great form and have players capable of delivering match-winning performances. Whether it’s Australia’s dynamic batting lineup or South Africa’s fearsome bowlers, this game is guaranteed to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Get ready for an action-packed day of cricket tomorrow!

New Zealand is set to face Bangladesh in the sixth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the game scheduled for Monday, February 24, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. After a strong start, New Zealand will be aiming for another victory to inch closer to a spot in the semifinals. New Zealand’s Strong Start New Zealand kicked off their campaign in style, securing a 60-run win against Pakistan in their opening match. Batting first, they posted a solid total of 320/5, thanks to key performances from Tom Latham (118* runs) and Will Young (107 runs). In reply, Pakistan could only manage 260 runs, with Mitchell Santner leading the charge with the ball, taking 3 wickets. With the confidence from that victory, New Zealand will now look to maintain their momentum in this game against Bangladesh. A win here would almost guarantee their qualification for the semifinals. New Zealand’s Likely Playing Xi Here’s a look at the expected playing XI for New Zealand: Openers: Devon Conway and Will Young Middle-order and All-rounders: Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c) Bowlers: Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke Conway and Young will open the innings, with Young coming off a match-winning performance in the previous game. Latham, after his brilliant 118*, will again be a key player for New Zealand. In the bowling department, O’Rourke, Henry, and Smith will lead the pace attack, while Santner and Bracewell will provide crucial spin options. Bangladesh’s Challenge On the other hand, Bangladesh will be hoping for a turnaround after a disappointing 6-wicket loss to India in their first game. They posted 228/8 after a poor start, with Towhid Hridoy scoring a solid 100. However, India chased down the target comfortably, led by Shubman Gill’s unbeaten century. Bangladesh needs to win this game to stay alive in the tournament. Their chances will depend on their bowlers stepping up, and they will hope to put up a stronger total with the bat. Head-to-Head: New Zealand vs Bangladesh New Zealand has been dominant in this fixture, winning 33 out of the 45 encounters between the two teams. Bangladesh has managed just 11 wins, with New Zealand coming out on top in 4 of the last 5 ODIs. This history suggests that New Zealand will go into the match as the favorites. Key Players to Watch -New Zealand: Tom Latham, Will Young, and Mitchell Santner will be critical for New Zealand. Latham’s form with the bat and Santner’s ability to take wickets make them key players. Bangladesh: Towhid Hridoy, who scored a century against India, will be one to watch out for. Mehidy Hasan Miraz could also play a key role with both bat and ball. Match Prediction Toss Prediction: Bangladesh will likely win the toss. Winner Prediction: New Zealand is expected to win. Top Score: Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Tanzid Hasan (Bangladesh) Top Bowler: Mitchell Santner (New Zealand), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh) Most Sixes: Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand), Tanzid Hasan (Bangladesh) Player of the Match: Kane Williamson (New Zealand) With New Zealand looking strong after their big win over Pakistan, they are the favorites to secure another win. Bangladesh, however, will be determined to turn their fortunes around and keep their semifinal hopes alive. This will be a crucial match for both teams. New Zealand, with their solid all-around performance, will be eager to keep their momentum going. Bangladesh, needing a win to stay in contention, will have to bring out their best performance yet to challenge the Black Caps.

    When and Where to Watch the AUS vs ENG Champions Trophy 2025 Match? Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025 Time: 2:30 PM IST (Toss at 2 PM IST) Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan Broadcast: The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports and Network 18 channels in India. Live Streaming: The match will be available for live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Australia vs England: Squads Australia: Captain: Steve Smith Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling Reserve: Cooper Connolly. England: Captain: Jos Buttler Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood. Predicted Playing XIs Australia (Predicted XI): Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (WK), Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa. England (Predicted XI): Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (WK), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood. Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has been a high-scoring venue over the years, known for its favorable conditions for batting. In recent ODI tri-series matches, the pitch has favored batsmen, with teams such as New Zealand and Pakistan posting totals over 300 runs. As a result, the Australia vs England match is expected to be a high-scoring contest, with both teams looking to capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions. Weather Report for the AUS vs ENG Match The weather forecast for the day is favorable for cricket. The temperature is expected to be in the early 20s in the first half of the match and will cool down to 15-20°C after sunset. With clear skies and no rain forecast, fans can expect uninterrupted action on the field. Australia vs England: Head-to-Head Record Historically, Australia vs England matches have been filled with intensity and rivalry, with both teams vying for supremacy in international cricket. Australia has had the upper hand in various ICC events, and England will be looking to prove their mettle in this year’s Champions Trophy. England, led by Jos Buttler, will aim to bounce back from a poor run, including a 3-0 whitewash by India, while Australia faces an uphill task without their key pace bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. Key Battles to Watch The bowling attack will be crucial in this match, especially with Australia missing their star pace bowlers. Instead, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis will lead the charge for the Aussies. On the other hand, England’s pace attack, consisting of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Brydon Carse, will look to exploit the conditions and take early wickets. In the batting department, expect fireworks from Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, and Marnus Labuschagne for Australia, while Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and Ben Duckett will be the key players for England. AUS vs ENG: Champions Trophy 2025 Match Preview Australia enters the Champions Trophy under pressure, having recently lost to Sri Lanka in an ODI series. Missing Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood due to injury, the Australian team will rely on their youthful pace attack and experienced players like Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell to take charge. On the other hand, England has also struggled recently, including their poor showing in the 2023 World Cup and the 3-0 loss to India. Despite this, they remain a formidable side with a strong lineup that can turn things around. Jos Buttler will need to lead from the front, and his aggressive approach will be key for England to succeed in this high-stakes encounter. Conclusion The Australia vs England Champions Trophy 2025 clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to make a statement in the opening match of Group B. While Australia will be missing key players, England is also coming off a tough period. Expect a fierce contest at Gaddafi Stadium, with high-scoring potential and exciting cricket action. Make sure to tune in to the live broadcast on Star Sports or stream the match online on Disney+ Hotstar to catch all the action as two cricketing giants face off in this pivotal match of the tournament.

 Match Prediction, Pre-Match Review & Probable Playing XI: Pakistan vs New Zealand, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 The Stage is Set The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is finally here, and the tournament opener promises to be an electrifying contest between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi. With the tournament carrying a knockout feel right from the start, both teams will be keen to set the tone with a winning performance on Wednesday, February 19. Pakistan’s Home Advantage vs. New Zealand’s Recent Dominance Pakistan enters the tournament as defending champions but curiously not as outright favorites. The team’s inconsistency, coupled with frequent off-field disruptions, has cast doubts on their ability to retain the title. However, with stalwarts like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi in their ranks, they possess match-winners capable of turning the tide on any given day. New Zealand, on the other hand, have had Pakistan’s number in recent meetings, winning three of their last four ODI encounters. They are a team that thrives in ICC events, despite lacking the sheer depth of resources enjoyed by some of their rivals. Ranked fourth in the world, the Kiwis will be confident of their chances but face a stiff challenge in unfamiliar conditions. Venue & Conditions The National Stadium has been a batting-friendly venue in recent times, with an average first-innings score of 289 in ODIs since 2023. Interestingly, the toss has played a negligible role in determining outcomes, as teams batting first and second have won four games each in the last eight matches at the venue. Expect a high-scoring contest where both teams will look to capitalize on their batting depth. Team News Pakistan: Pakistan is likely to stick with the same XI that faced New Zealand in the warm-up match, despite their loss. Haris Rauf, who suffered a muscular strain during the tri-series, has been declared fit and will take his place in the lineup. Captain Mohammad Rizwan has emphasized stability over constant chopping and changing, meaning they will rely on their core unit to deliver. Probable XI: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam/Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf. New Zealand: New Zealand has suffered multiple injury setbacks leading up to the tournament. Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out with a foot injury, while Ben Sears is also unavailable due to a hamstring issue. Kyle Jamieson has been drafted in as a replacement, and Rachin Ravindra’s availability remains uncertain after his head injury. Probable XI: Will Young/Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Nathan Smith/Jacob Duffy, Will O’Rourke. Key Battles to Watch Naseem Shah vs. Devon Conway: Conway has struggled against Naseem, having been dismissed thrice in as many games by the young pacer. Pakistan will look to exploit this weakness early on. Tom Latham’s Karachi Form: The New Zealand wicketkeeper may not have been in his best touch in 2025, but he has an impressive record at this venue, scoring three half-centuries in seven innings. Pakistan’s Middle-Order Stability: The hosts’ batting reshuffle could prove crucial, as they have opted for a more aggressive approach in recent matches. How Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir handle New Zealand’s pace attack in the middle overs will be key. Match Prediction Pakistan will have the advantage of playing at home, but New Zealand’s recent form against them cannot be ignored. The Kiwis have played seven ODIs at this venue since the start of 2023, giving them considerable exposure to conditions. However, Pakistan’s familiarity with the surface, coupled with their explosive batting and potent bowling attack, makes them slight favorites to edge out their opponents. If New Zealand can negate Pakistan’s pace threat early and put up a solid total, they will be in with a real shot. But given the high-scoring nature of the venue, Pakistan’s superior firepower with both bat and ball should give them the upper hand. Prediction: Pakistan to win in a high-scoring contest.

 Champions Trophy 2025 Set for Global Live Streaming via ICC.tv and Radio Broadcasts Worldwide Cricket fans around the globe are in for a treat as the highly anticipated 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy gears up to deliver thrilling action to audiences worldwide. In a landmark move to expand the sport’s reach, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that ICC.tv, its official digital platform, will offer free live streaming of all 15 tournament matches in over 80 territories. Combined with extensive radio coverage in key cricketing nations, this initiative ensures fans from diverse regions can tune in to every boundary, wicket, and historic moment.   ### Live Streaming: ICC.tv Brings Cricket to Millions   The ICC is prioritizing accessibility for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with ICC.tv serving as the primary hub for free live streaming in more than 80 territories. Markets including Nepal, Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan will have unrestricted access to all matches, allowing fans in these regions to enjoy elite cricket without subscription barriers. This strategy not only caters to established cricket-loving nations like Sri Lanka and Afghanistan but also aims to ignite passion in emerging markets such as Japan, where the sport is steadily growing.   By offering free access, the ICC hopes to strengthen ICC.tv as a go-to destination for cricket content while broadening the sport’s global footprint. This approach aligns with the organization’s long-term vision to make cricket a truly inclusive, global sport. Fans can stream matches on smartphones, tablets, or computers, ensuring flexibility for viewers whether they’re at home, work, or on the move.   ### Radio Broadcasts: Tradition Meets Convenience   For fans who prefer the nostalgic charm of radio or lack reliable internet access, the Champions Trophy will also be broadcast globally via partnerships with leading radio networks. Key coverage includes:   – United Kingdom: BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra   – India: All India Radio   – Pakistan: HUM 106.2FM   – UAE: Talk 100.3FM and Big 106.2   – Bangladesh: Radio Shadhin 92.4 and Radio Bhumi 92.8   – Sri Lanka: Lakhanda Radio   These partnerships ensure that even in remote areas, fans can stay connected to live commentary, expert analysis, and the electric atmosphere of the tournament.   ### A Win for Global Cricket Fandom   The 2025 Champions Trophy’s broadcast strategy reflects the ICC’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation. By leveraging digital streaming and traditional radio, the council bridges the gap between tech-savvy audiences and those in regions with limited connectivity. Free access on ICC.tv eliminates financial barriers, inviting new fans to engage with cricket while rewarding loyal supporters with seamless viewing experiences.   For cricket boards and advertisers, this expanded reach presents opportunities to tap into underserved markets, fostering long-term growth. Meanwhile, fans in territories previously reliant on expensive pay-TV subscriptions can now enjoy world-class cricket at no cost.   ### How to Tune In   – Streaming: Visit [ICC.tv](https://www.icc.tv) or download the app (check availability in your region).   – Radio: Check local listings for frequencies and timings.   Full details of broadcasters and regional availability can be found on the ICC’s official Champions Trophy 2025 hub [here](insert-link).   As the tournament approaches, the ICC’s dual focus on digital accessibility and traditional broadcasting promises to unite cricket enthusiasts across continents, making the Champions Trophy a celebration of sport, culture, and shared passion. Whether through a screen or a radio speaker, the world will be listening.

  Where to Watch ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in India: TV, Radio, and Mobile Streaming Cricket fans in India are gearing up for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19, 2025. The tournament, which is considered the second-most prestigious ODI event after the World Cup, will be played in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). India, led by Rohit Sharma, will play all their matches in Dubai due to political tensions with Pakistan. For fans eager to catch every moment of the action, here’s a complete guide on where to watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 live in India across TV, mobile, and radio. Television Broadcast in India Indian viewers can enjoy live telecast of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the Star Sports Network and Sports18 channels. Matches will be available in multiple languages, including: English Hindi Tamil Telugu Kannada Star Sports has been the official broadcaster of ICC events in India, ensuring high-quality coverage with expert analysis, pre-match discussions, and post-match highlights. Live Streaming on Mobile and Digital Platforms For those who prefer to watch on the go, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be live-streamed on JioHotstar. Exclusive Features on JioHotstar: Live streaming across 16 feeds Commentary available in nine languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Haryanvi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada Multi-camera angles for an immersive experience Indian Sign Language feed and Audio Descriptive Commentary for accessibility Additionally, the MaxView vertical feed, a unique mobile viewing feature, will be available in Hindi and English, making it easier to watch matches on smartphones. Live Radio Commentary in India For cricket fans who enjoy listening to commentary while on the move, the All India Radio (AIR) will provide free live radio coverage of all matches. How to Listen: Tune in to All India Radio (AIR) Visit the ICC Match Centre on icc-cricket.com for free live audio streaming This is a great option for those commuting or unable to watch the matches live on TV or mobile. Key India Matches to Watch Out For India vs Bangladesh – February 20, 2025 (Dubai) India vs Pakistan – February 23, 2025 (Dubai) India vs New Zealand – March 2, 2025 (Dubai) With Star Sports providing high-quality TV coverage, JioHotstar offering seamless mobile streaming, and All India Radio delivering real-time commentary, Indian cricket fans have multiple ways to stay connected to the action. Get ready for thrilling cricket as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 unfolds!

  Champions Trophy 2025 opner : Pakistan  Vs New Zealand The 2025 ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is just around the corner, set to take place from February 19 to March 9 in Pakistan and the UAE. This eight-team, 19-day tournament promises thrilling cricket action, marking the return of the Champions Trophy after its last edition in 2017. This year’s event is historic in several ways, with Pakistan hosting its first global ICC event since 1996, while Dubai will serve as a neutral venue for some of the matches. The Hybrid Model: Pakistan and UAE In a unique and innovative approach, the 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy will be played in a hybrid model. Pakistan and the UAE will host matches across four cities: Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. This move not only reflects the growing popularity of cricket in Pakistan but also ensures that the teams get to experience diverse playing conditions that will challenge their skills across different surfaces and climates. Group Breakdown and Teams The eight teams competing in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 have been split into two groups: Group A: Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan Group B: Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa This division sets the stage for some exciting encounters, with rivalries and high stakes in every game. The tournament opener will see Pakistan face off against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, 2025, in what promises to be an exciting start to the competition. Pakistan’s Campaign Pakistan enters the tournament as a team with a mixed record in recent international competitions. In the tri-nation series held in Pakistan, they struggled to find consistency. Key players like Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha showed glimpses of brilliance, but Pakistan’s overall performance raised some concerns ahead of the Champions Trophy. Fakhar Zaman: Scored 84 runs in one match but struggled in subsequent games with scores of 10 and 41. Salman Ali Agha: Was a bright spot, accumulating 40, 45, and 134 runs in his respective matches. Mohammad Rizwan: Contributed with scores of 46, 122, and 46 runs. Despite some stellar batting performances from Rizwan and Agha, Pakistan’s bowling and fielding needed refinement. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed all contributed with the ball, but Pakistan still needs to fine-tune their bowling attack to compete at the highest level. New Zealand’s Strengths and Challenges New Zealand, on the other hand, enters the tournament as one of the favorites. Having consistently performed well in recent years, the Black Caps are eager to bring home their first Champions Trophy title since 2000. They are coming off a successful tri-series campaign in Pakistan, where they won three matches with commanding performances. Key players such as Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips have been in scintillating form, contributing significantly with the bat. Kane Williamson: Scored 133 and 58 runs in the tri-series, leading his team from the front. Devon Conway: Accumulated 48 and 97 runs in his appearances, providing stability to the top order. Daryl Mitchell: Made key contributions, with scores of 57 and 81 runs. Glenn Phillips: Played an explosive knock of 106 runs, showcasing his ability to accelerate the game. The Black Caps also boast a strong bowling attack with players like Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry leading the charge. The absence of key pacer Trent Boult, along with the recent retirement of Tim Southee, means New Zealand’s pace attack is slightly inexperienced. However, fast bowlers like Will O’Rourke and Nathan Smith are expected to step up and play crucial roles in this major tournament. Key Players to Watch Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan): One of the most potent fast bowlers in world cricket, Afridi will be a key figure for Pakistan. His ability to strike early and swing the ball will be crucial for Pakistan in their bid for the trophy. Kane Williamson (New Zealand): The New Zealand captain’s calm demeanor and ability to anchor the innings will be vital in pressure situations. Williamson’s leadership and batting prowess are a huge asset to the Black Caps. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan): As one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers in recent years, Rizwan’s contributions with the bat could make all the difference in high-pressure matches. Devon Conway (New Zealand): A steady presence in the top order, Conway’s ability to build innings and adapt to different conditions will be crucial in setting up partnerships for his team. The Venue: National Stadium, Karachi  One of the key venues for the Champions Trophy will be the National Stadium in Karachi. Known for its flat pitches and high-scoring games, Karachi promises to offer some exciting battles. The pitch typically favors batting, with the average first-innings score being 237 runs and the second-innings score at 202. While pacers may get some assistance with the new ball, spinners will play a key role in the middle overs, making it crucial for bowlers to maintain tight lines and lengths. The stadium has witnessed some of the best performances in ODI history, including Sir Viv Richards’ stunning knock of 181 runs against Sri Lanka in 1987 and Wasim Akram’s 5/15. These historic moments highlight the importance of Karachi as a venue for major ICC events. Weather and Conditions The weather in Karachi on February 19, 2025, is expected to be hazy with a light breeze, perfect conditions for cricket. The temperature will hover around 15°C, and the low probability of precipitation (0%) means that weather disruptions are unlikely to affect the game. Conclusion    With the tournament set to feature some of the world’s best teams and players, the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Whether it’s the high-powered batting of Pakistan and New Zealand or the strategic play of teams like England and South Africa, this tournament is bound to showcase the very best of international cricket. As the countdown to the opening match between Pakistan and New Zealand begins, cricket fans all over the world are eagerly anticipating what promises to