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Former Pakistan<\/strong> captain Sarfaraz Ahmed<\/strong> has predicted the potential winner of\u00a0 highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025<\/strong><\/a>, set to be held in Pakistan<\/strong> and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)<\/strong> from February 19 to March 9.<\/p>\n This edition will mark the return of the Champions Trophy after a long eight-year hiatus, making it one of the most awaited international cricket events. Pakistan, the defending champions, won the last edition in 2017, defeating arch-rivals India<\/strong> by 180 runs in a historic final at The Oval. Now, under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan<\/strong>, Pakistan will aim to replicate that success on home soil and reclaim their title.<\/p>\n Pakistan will begin their title defense on February 19 in the opening match against New Zealand<\/strong> at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. This match will be significant as it will set the tone for their campaign. The most highly anticipated encounter of the tournament will take place on February 23, when Pakistan faces arch-rivals India in Dubai. Given the historic rivalry between the two nations, this match is expected to be the highlight of the group stage. Pakistan\u2019s final group-stage match will be against Bangladesh<\/strong> on February 27 in Rawalpindi, where they will aim to secure a semi-final berth.<\/p>\n Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to their historic Champions Trophy triumph in 2017, believed that Pakistan have a strong squad and a great chance of defending the title. He emphasized that several players from the 2017-winning team are still part of the squad, bringing invaluable experience to the side.<\/p>\n Speaking about Pakistan\u2019s strengths, he particularly highlighted the importance of Babar Azam<\/strong><\/a>\u2018s batting. According to Sarfaraz, Babar has evolved into a more mature and dominant player compared to 2017, and his ability to anchor innings will be crucial for Pakistan. Alongside Babar, Fakhar Zaman<\/strong>\u2018s aggressive batting approach will be vital in providing quick starts at the top of the order.<\/p>\n On the bowling front, Sarfaraz further stated that the Pakistan boasted a formidable pace attack with Shaheen Afridi<\/strong> and Haris Rauf<\/strong> leading the charge. Sarfaraz pointed out that both bowlers are in excellent form and possess the ability to dismantle any batting lineup. Their pace, swing, and accuracy make them dangerous prospects, especially in home conditions. Additionally, Rizwan\u2019s captaincy and wicketkeeping skills are expected to provide stability to the team.<\/p>\n \u201cPakistan have a really good chance of defending that title and I think they have a strong team. Some of the boys from 2017 are still there and we\u2019re talking about some of the best \u2013 especially Babar Azam. He is a different Babar to the one that played in 2017, a more mature player and a dominant player in the game. His batting will be so important for Pakistan and so will Fakhar Zaman\u2019s. With the ball, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf are brilliant bowlers and are playing well. The captain, Mohammad Rizwan, is also a wicketkeeper-batter, which worked pretty well for me back in 2017!,\u201d <\/em>Sarfaraz was quoted as saying by the ICC.<\/p>\nReturn of the tournament after eight-year hiatus<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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