When any ICC tournament approaches, we see how experts pick their top sides. For example, in the ICC World Cup 2023 and the 2024 T20 World Cup, many people tend to choose safer teams expected to perform well. However, there are always a few teams that, despite being on the line or showing potential, usually fail to cross the final mark. Now, with the ICC Champions Trophy coming up, we expect cricket fanatics to make their top four lineup once again. Chances are, their choices once again may be clichéd, but today we’ll try to break the mold and highlight three teams that have been consistently on the line or have shown promise over the past two to three years.
These teams could emerge as dark horses in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan.
Teams to watch in Champions Trophy
New Zealand
It is fair to say that gone are the days when New Zealand was overlooked in ICC tournaments. However, in recent years, particularly during the 2023 ODI World Cup, there was a noticeable sense of fear of failure. As mentioned, New Zealand typically plays with calm and composed behavior. And they have come close, but the long-standing burden of not having won an ICC trophy for many years has been evident in recent tournaments.
In the 2017 Champions Trophy, They lost two games, including a surprising defeat to Bangladesh, and finished last in the group. However, things might change this time. Looking at their recent ODI statistics, they have played a total of 30 ODI matches in the last two years, winning 22 of these and losing 7. They have maintained a pretty impressive average of 292 runs per inning, while their bowling average runs per wicket stands at approximately 37.74. If a flat track is present in Pakistan, they may capitalize on the tournament with their power-packed batting.
Afghanistan
Well, we can’t stop talking about Afghanistan. In recent years, they have been making significant strides in the white-ball formats. They almost made their way to the top 4 in the 2023 World Cup and were semifinalists in the 2024 T20 World Cup. They could potentially challenge good teams in the Champions Trophy. If Rashid Khan stays fit, there is a possibility.
Also, other players are doing well, as was evident under Jonathan Trott’s coaching. The team has impressively adapted to his tactics, whether it’s about chasing the target or bowling. Familiar Asian conditions could make them strong contenders or dark horses in the Champions Trophy next year.
South Africa
Still living with the tag of chokers, South Africa’s struggles were evident in the 2023 semifinals and the famous loss to India in the T20 World Cup 2024. You can’t lose from 28 runs off the last 27 balls, but they did. This should ignite a fierce determination within the Proteas camp. With players like Heinrich Klaasen, who can perform well in favorable batting conditions similar to those in the IPL, and bowlers like Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada, there will be many expectations. It will be mouth-watering to see how this team performs in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as they also look like potential dark horses in the event.
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