Former India team Fast Bowler Zaheer Khan has predicted the four teams that could reach the semifinals of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Zaheer Khan has named the two most successful teams in Trophy Champions, India and Australia, along with New Zealand and South Africa.
India and Australia have been intense opponents in shapes over the last decade. The two teams clashed in the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where Australia secured the title. Australia won twice the Trophy Champions (2006 and 2009), while India won the title in 2013 and shared it in 2002.
Famous ICC Trophy champion to return after eight -year pause
The famous Trophy ICC Champions is due to return in 2025 after an eight -year gap. Eight top teams will compete for the coveted title during the upcoming tournament, which will be played in Pakistan and Dubai since February 19th. Team India will play all their matches, including Knockouts, in Dubai.
Australia and India are the most successful teams in the history of the event, while Pakistan has won the latest version in 2017. Knockout stages Each ICC ODI event from the 2011 World Cup victory.
There is no doubt that India will be in the semifinals – Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan was sure of India’s chances of reaching his semifinals Champions Trophy. It was also named Australia, New Zealand and South Africa as other top candidates. Speaking during a media interaction hosted by Lucknow Super Giants, Zaheer revealed the reasons for his predictions.
“There is no doubt that India will be in the semifinals. Apart from them, Australia can see, New Zealand has always done well in these tournaments. My fourth choice will be South Africa, who also promise In a white ball cricket, “Zaheer Khan said, answering a question from the Crictracker during an interaction of media organized by Lucknow Super Giants.
When asked about Pakistan’s chances in the tournament, the former Pacer stressed that the team had consistently competed in recent ODI matches. He said: “Pakistan is not playing consistent cricket right now.”
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which will start on Feb 19
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on February 19, with Pakistan hosting the tournament and India playing their matches in the UAE. The opening game will include Pakistan against New Zealand.
The eight participating groups are divided into two groups. Group A includes India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while England, Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan have been placed in Group B.
The semifinals will take place on March 4 and 5, followed by the final on March 9th. Pakistan, the defenders, won the first Trophy Champions in 2017, defeating India with 180 runs in the final.
