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As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, every participating team is focused on assembling a well-balanced squad capable of handling the high-stakes nature of the tournament. For Pakistan, one of the key concerns has been the identification of a reliable power hitter who can provide late-order fireworks and finish matches effectively. The role of a finisher is particularly crucial in limited-overs cricket, where the ability to accelerate in the final overs can often be the difference between a par score and a match-winning total. Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has now weighed in on this important debate, revealing the player he believes can take up this role for the Men in Green.
Mickey Arthur chooses the player for Pakistan’s power-hitter role in Champions Trophy
Arthur, who has an extensive coaching background and a deep understanding of Pakistan’s cricketing culture, has backed Khushdil Shah as the ideal choice for the power-hitting position in the lower middle order.
Speaking on PakPassion YouTube channel, Arthur believed that Khushdil has emerged as Pakistan’s designated power hitter, solidifying his role in the lower middle order. Having worked closely with Khushdil in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Arthur has been impressed by his aggressive strokeplay and ability to take on both pace and spin.
“I’ve just worked with Khusdil in the BPL and he was outstanding. What he provides is a power game but he also provides a left-handed option at the back end of the innings, which is quite crucial. He pulls his spin a little bit of spin, so it looks like he’s solidified that role, which is great,” Arthur said.
Also READ: Pakistan’s group-stage rivals: Evaluating India, New Zealand & Bangladesh in Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan’s roadmap for the prestigious tournament
Pakistan will kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 title defense with a high-stakes encounter against New Zealand on February 19, in Karachi. This match marks an important milestone as the host nation aims to replicate the success they achieved in 2017, when they triumphed under Sarfaraz Ahmed by defeating India in the final. This time, however, Mohammad Rizwan will take the reins as captain, leading Pakistan in front of their home crowd.
The next major fixture for Pakistan is their much-anticipated clash with India on February 23, in Dubai. This match has always been a spectacle, given the fierce rivalry between the two nations. Both teams come into the contest with strong squads, and this encounter promises to be a thrilling one. Following the India clash, Pakistan will face Bangladesh on February 27. in Rawalpindi. Bangladesh, though not as strong as the top-tier nations, has always posed challenges to Pakistan with their aggressive approach.
