2025 ICC Champions Trophy Thread

[Kriterion_BD]

First CT in 8 years...back from the dead. I like the idea of having a CT smack in between ODI World Cups...every 2 years is overkill but every 4 gives it a bit of glamour. Tons of players missing due to injuries though, but should still be a decent tournament I hope. My predictions:

Group A
India - I think they'll peak in the group stage and top the group
New Zealand - always do well in ICC events + have a nearly full strength side
Pakistan - could top the group or finish at the bottom
Bangladesh - on paper the most balanced squad they've ever had, but recent form is abysmal across the board

Group B
Afghanistan - friendly conditions, will spin it to win it.
South Africa - batters look to be in good nick.
England - recent form is too average to be title contenders
Australia - missing their entire first string pace attack.

Semi-finals
Afghanistan beat New Zealand
South Africa beat India

Final
Afghanistan beat South Africa

[Kriterion_BD]

NZ posting a very respectable 320-5 in the opening match. Pakistan meanwhile going at just 3.3 an over in the chase...ridiculous!

[Kriterion_BD]

Bangladesh stays ahead of Pakistan on NRR! Hard to imagine when they slumped to 35-5 in the powerplay, that too after choosing to bat first on a flat track.

3 ducks in the top 5 for Bangladesh against a Bumrah-less bowling corp. Solid fightback from Towhid and the Joker...the former notching his first ODI ton in the process.