Pakistan’s Momentum Builds with Historic Wins Ahead of CT25

By Umesh Kumar

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Posted: February 17, 2025
Last updated: February 18, 2025

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Pakistan’s cricket team is gearing up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with substantial momentum following significant victories. This run of form includes landmark ODI series wins and impressive individual performances, although there are notable concerns about key players and team composition.

Starting their campaign, Pakistan will face New Zealand in Karachi on February 19, 2025. This match is followed by an eagerly anticipated encounter with India on February 23 in Dubai, and then against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.

The team’s pre-tournament performance includes winning three bilateral series, marking their first-ever ODI series triumphs in both Australia and South Africa. Since the 2023 World Cup, the team has played 12 ODIs, winning eight. Their top ODI run-scorer during this period is Saim Ayub, who accumulated 515 runs in nine innings. However, Saim Ayub will miss the tournament due to injury, a loss of an ‘X Factor’ player for the team.

Taking charge as captain, Mohammad Rizwan has demonstrated reliable form, scoring 435 runs in 10 innings with an average of 62.14. Fakhar Zaman has also been outstanding, accruing 989 runs in 22 ODIs since 2023.

On the bowling front, Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, remains potent. Afridi, alongside Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, has shown fine form with Afridi being the top wicket-taker since the 2023 World Cup, claiming 21 wickets in nine matches. However, the team lacks diversity in spin, with Abrar Ahmed being the only frontline spinner.

One of the team’s significant concerns is the form of star batter Babar Azam, who has struggled to score consistently post the 2023 World Cup. Despite these concerns, the squad, which includes Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Kamran Ghulam, boasts a strong lineup.

As Pakistan prepares for the tournament, the combination of recent successes and challenges presents a dynamic scenario. The team’s ability to leverage their strengths while addressing areas of concern will be critical as they compete in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.