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New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra has made his predictions for the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9.
Champions Trophy returns after eight years
The Champions Trophy will mark its returns after an eight-year hiatus. The tournament will feature 15 matches played across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai. The format includes eight teams divided into two groups, with every match carrying high stakes akin to knockout games. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while Group B features Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia. With a knockout-style format, every game holds immense significance, adding to the tournament’s excitement.
Rachin Ravindra names the two finalists
In an exclusive interview with an ICC, Rachin backed New Zealand and Australia to face off in the final. Expressing confidence in the competitive strength of both teams, Rachin highlighted Australia’s dominance across formats and New Zealand’s ability to excel on the global stage. While refraining from naming hosts Pakistan or world number one India as finalists, he said he hopes for a thrilling Trans-Tasman derby. Rachin, a key performer in the 2023 ODI World Cup with over 500 runs, is optimistic about New Zealand’s chances of lifting the prestigious title.
“It’s always very hard to predict (finalists) because you always want to say New Zealand because you’re involved. So hopefully we’re there. I mean, we’ll take it game by game, and the other groups, it’s pretty hard to count out people like Australia. I think they’re a really good team, and they’ve shown how strong they are in all formats. Current holders of the ODI World Cup too. So hopefully it’ll be a Trans-Tasman derby,” Rachin said.
Also READ: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman predicts his four semifinalists of Champions Trophy 2025
New Zealand’s schedule and challenges
New Zealand will begin their campaign with the opening match against Pakistan on February 19 in Karachi, followed by a clash with Bangladesh on February 24 in Rawalpindi. They conclude their group stage against India on March 2 in Dubai. Rachin emphasized the unique nature of the Champions Trophy, where every game feels like a knockout, and expressed his excitement about competing in such a high-stakes tournament. The Blackcaps, known for their adaptability and resilience, aim to secure a place in the finals and potentially face Australia in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion.
