Pakistan enters the Champions Trophy 2025 as a strong contender. With the tournament being played at home, they have a significant advantage. The team has recently shown improvement in ODI cricket. They won a series against Australia and South Africa in late 2024. Fast bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are in top form. Their batting lineup includes world-class talents like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan’s spin attack, led by Shadab Khan, can exploit home conditions well. Their past record in the Champions Trophy also boosts confidence. If they execute their plans well, they can lift the trophy.
Pakistan’s fast bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, is among the best. Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf add depth and aggression to their pace unit. Their spin attack, featuring Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim, is equally dangerous. Their campaign did not go well at the T20 World Cup as they lost against India at Nassau County Stadium, and their exit at the group stage was shocking. So, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan provided consistency in the batting lineup. Home crowds will fuel Pakistan’s energy, making them a formidable force. Their unpredictable style makes them a dangerous team in big tournaments. With past success in the Champions Trophy, they know how to win. If they execute their game plan well, they can lift the trophy.
1. Home Advantage and Support from Pakistani Fans
Pakistan is hosting an ICC event for the first time since 1996. Playing in home conditions is a huge advantage for them. Familiarity with pitches will help both batters and bowlers perform better. The Pakistani crowd will provide immense support to the team. In high-pressure situations, home support can make a crucial difference. Players often perform better when they feel the energy of the crowd. Pakistan’s PSL experience also helps them understand local pitch behavior. Teams visiting Pakistan will struggle to adapt to conditions quickly.
Fast bowlers will get assistance from the dry, skiddy surfaces. Spinners will also play a big role in middle overs. The Champions Trophy being played in Pakistan gives them a real edge. With home support and knowledge of conditions, Pakistan has a strong chance.
2. Shaheen Afridi’s Return to Peak Form
Shaheen Afridi has found his rhythm after an inconsistent 2023 season. In Pakistan’s recent ODI series wins, he was their best bowler. He took the most wickets and maintained a low economy rate. His ability to take wickets with the new ball is crucial. He can remove key batters early and put Pakistan ahead. Afridi also improves his effectiveness in the death overs. His ability to reverse swing will be vital in Pakistan’s conditions.
He has been working on different variations to trouble batters. His height allows him to generate extra bounce on skiddy pitches. Afridi’s form in the Champions Trophy can define Pakistan’s chances. If he continues his aggressive bowling, Pakistan can dominate opponents. His leadership in the bowling attack will be key to success.
3. Pakistan’s Explosive Fast Bowling Attack
Pakistan has always been known for its fast bowling talent. This year, they have one of the best pace attacks. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf form a lethal trio. Naseem Shah has improved his control and swing with the new ball. Haris Rauf provides raw pace and aggression in the middle overs. Pakistan’s bowlers can strike early and break partnerships. Their ability to reverse swing the ball will be dangerous for opponents.
Playing in Pakistan, fast bowlers will enjoy good bounce and carry. Their attack can defend low scores and restrict teams to below-par totals. If they remain fit and perform consistently, Pakistan’s bowling will dominate. Having a strong fast-bowling unit gives them a real chance to win.
4. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s Consistency in ODIs
The experienced players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are Pakistan’s most dependable batters. Babar is among the top-ranked batters in ODI cricket. He has an excellent record in ICC tournaments and consistently performs well. His ability to anchor innings gives Pakistan stability in pressure situations. Rizwan has also developed into a reliable middle-order batter. His ability to rotate, strike, and finish games is valuable.
Both players have strong techniques to handle different bowling attacks. Their partnership often builds crucial stands for Pakistan in ODIs. In-home conditions, they will be even more comfortable at the crease. If they score consistently, Pakistan will post or chase big totals. Their experience in pressure situations will help Pakistan in knockout matches.
5. Spinners Will Play a Big Role in Home Conditions
Pakistan’s spin attack will be a key factor in the tournament. Shadab Khan leads the spin department with experience and skill. He is a genuine wicket-taker and an effective middle-over bowler. Imad Wasim provides control and can bowl in powerplays when needed. Mohammad Nawaz offers variety and has proven his worth in ODIs. The slow nature of pitches will favor Pakistan’s spinners.
Visiting teams will struggle to adapt to Pakistan’s spin-friendly conditions. Spinners will play a crucial role in breaking partnerships. They can dominate if Pakistan’s spinners take wickets in the middle overs. A strong spin attack is another reason Pakistan can win the trophy.
6. Recent ODI Series Wins Boost Confidence
Pakistan ended 2024 with ODI series wins against Australia and South Africa. These victories came in harsh conditions away from home. Winning in Australia showed their ability to handle pace and bounce. Beating South Africa proved their adaptability to different conditions. Their bowlers took 54 out of 60 possible wickets in those series. These wins have given Pakistan momentum, leading to the Champions Trophy.
Their ODI team remains largely unchanged from those successful series. Players have gained confidence and are used to winning under pressure. This momentum can help them perform well in the tournament. Pakistan can reach the finals and win if they continue with this form.
7. Champions Trophy History and Winning Mindset
Pakistan won the Champions Trophy in 2017 in a dominant fashion. They defeated India by 180 runs in the final, a historic win. That victory gave them confidence in ICC tournaments. Several players from that squad remain in the current team. They understand the pressure of knockout cricket and how to handle it. Pakistan has always been unpredictable but has risen in major tournaments as their women’s cricket is also on the rise after playing in many domestic leagues like WPL.
Their fearless approach makes them a dangerous team to face. If they bring that same winning mindset, they can lift the trophy. The experience of winning in 2017 will help them in tough situations. They know what it takes to succeed in this format. With confidence and history on their side, they are real contenders.
Conclusion
Pakistan has a golden opportunity to win the Champions Trophy 2025. Home advantage gives them a strong edge over visiting teams. Their fast bowling attack is one of the best in the world. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan provide stability in the batting order. Spinners will play a significant role in Pakistan’s conditions. Recent ODI wins have given them confidence and momentum.
Their history in the Champions Trophy shows they can handle pressure. If they execute their plans well, they can lift the trophy again. Pakistan has all the ingredients needed to win the tournament.
