The preparations are underway for the Champions Trophy, with Pakistan poised to host the tournament in a hybrid format, while India will conduct all its matches in Dubai. The last occasion Pakistan hosted a significant international cricket event was in 1996, when it co-hosted with India and Sri Lanka. The Pakistan Cricket Board has upgraded the stadiums in anticipation of this prestigious ICC event, marking a crucial step towards reinstating regular ICC events in the country. Nonetheless, considerable focus will be directed towards Dubai, where India will compete, including the highly awaited encounter against Pakistan.

Here are the five matches to watch out for in Champions Trophy 2025:

Pakistan vs India, Group A: In recent years, the frequency of ICC events has led to the India vs Pakistan match becoming a yearly occurrence, as the cricket governing body seeks to capitalize on this rivalry. The fierce competition between these two neighbouring countries has grown stronger over time, with another encounter set to take place on March 23 in Dubai. Given the current performances of both teams, India is expected to be the favourite, having recently achieved a 3-0 victory over England in the ODI series, while Pakistan faces pressure following their defeat in the tri-series against New Zealand.

Australia vs England, Group B: A significant rivalry will once again take centre stage in the Champions Trophy. The pivotal Group B encounter is expected to establish the atmosphere for the upcoming Ashes series later this year. Nevertheless, both teams will approach the tournament following substantial series losses, as a weakened Australian squad suffered defeat against Sri Lanka, a team that did not qualify for the Champions Trophy. Conversely, India achieved a comprehensive victory over England in a three-match series.

New Zealand vs India, Group A: New Zealand has emerged as a formidable opponent for India in recent ICC knockout tournaments, and Rohit Sharma and his team will undoubtedly approach this match with caution. The memories of their defeat in the group stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup will linger in India's thoughts, especially since the Champions Trophy match is set to take place at the same location. Nevertheless, prominent figures in Indian cricket, such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, will be determined to avenge the disappointing loss they suffered in the Test series last year.

Afghanistan vs Australia Group B: When these two teams last faced each other in an ODI, the encounter became a memorable World Cup classic, highlighted by Glenn Maxwell's remarkable innings, which is regarded as one of the finest in cricket history, allowing Australia to secure a victory against Afghanistan. The stage was set for Afghanistan to achieve their most significant win to date, but a few missed catches and Maxwell's double century, achieved despite his struggles with cramps, altered the outcome. This time, however, the Afghan team will be exceptionally driven to succeed and create a new chapter in their cricketing legacy.

England vs South Africa: Group B features four strong teams, with the match between England and South Africa potentially determining which two teams advance to the semifinals. The South African team, often labelled as "chokers" in ICC tournaments, will strive once again to secure the ICC trophy, while England is eager to recover and demonstrate to the cricketing community that their current lineup still possesses the capability to clinch an ICC title.

Read Also: Rohit Sharma Highlights World Cup Success in Front of Ravindra Jadeja; Shubman Gill Stays Silent

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