Waqar Younis optimistic about Pakistan's performance in Champions Trophy 2025
What's the story
The cricketing world is looking forward to the ICC Champions Trophy match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on March 23. The match, scheduled to be played at Dubai International Stadium, is one of the Group A fixtures which also features New Zealand and Bangladesh. The tournament will be held from February 19 to March 9 at different venues in Pakistan and Dubai. Former Pakistan legend Waqar Younis is optimistic about the team in the upcoming global ICC event. Here's more.
Team prospects
Waqar expresses confidence in Pakistan's title chances
When asked about Pakistan's prospects in the tournament, Waqar was optimistic. "They are on the right track. I hope everyone stays fit and injury-free," he told TimesofIndia.com. He also emphasized that the cricket schedule is packed these days, so injuries are a major concern for all teams competing in this Champions Trophy.
Match anticipation
Waqar anticipates a thrilling match between India and Pakistan
The former fast-bowling legend is looking forward to the India vs Pakistan match. "It is always going to be big. We all know how important this clash is," he said. The last time these two teams met was during the ICC 2024 T20 World Cup in New York, where India clinched a thrilling six-run victory in a low-scoring affair.
Player injury
Bumrah's absence, a setback for India
India's key bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to an injury. Waqar admitted Bumrah's absence will be a big loss for India, calling him "a world-class bowler—very quick, very aggressive, and very smart." Bumrah had picked up his injury during the fifth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia and is currently recovering.
Pakistan
Pakistan lose in ODI tri-series final
New Zealand delivered a stellar performance in the ODI tri-series final against Pakistan on Friday. The Kiwis restricted their opponents to a total of 242 runs on a challenging Karachi pitch. Will O'Rourke led the seam attack with impressive figures of 4/43, while Mitchell Santner contributed significantly with his spin bowling. In response, fifties from the blades of Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham handed New Zealand a solid win. NZ scored 243/5 in 45.3 overs.
India
India warm-up for Champions Trophy with England drubbing
India routed England 3-0 in the three-match ODI series after claiming a massive win in Ahmedabad recently. The Men in Blue successfully defended 356 runs with another concerted effort from the bowlers. England were given a blazing start by Philip Salt and Ben Duckett (60/0), but they couldn't consolidate once this stand was broken. Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and Virat Kohli laid the foundation for India's victory. Adil Rashid took four wickets for England.