Fakhar Zaman and 4 Other Star Batsmen in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to start on February 19 in Karachi, featuring key players such as Fakhar Zaman and Daryl Mitchell leading their respective teams. As the tournament approaches, teams will depend on crucial batters to support their campaigns.
Here are the 5 batsmen ICC expects to make an impact in the tournament:
Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
- Matches: 85 | Runs: 3,627 | Avg: 46.50 | HS: 210 | 100s: 11 | 50s: 17
Fakhar Zaman is recognized as one of Pakistan’s most dynamic opening batsmen since the legendary Saeed Anwar. His ability to shift the momentum of a match in a short time is well-documented. Notably, he achieved a milestone in 2018 by scoring an unbeaten 210 runs against Zimbabwe, which stands as Pakistan’s highest-ever individual score in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His aggressive playing style continues to make a significant impact on the team’s performance.
Fakhar Zaman – Pakistan’s Key Player for Champions Trophy 2025
Fakhar Zaman’s most memorable performance occurred during the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where he scored an impressive 114 runs against India, leading Pakistan to its first title victory. After dealing with an injury that kept him out of action for some time, he has recently made a successful comeback in the Tri-Nation series. His current form will be vital for Pakistan’s prospects in the upcoming 2025 edition of the tournament.
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
- Matches: 45 | Runs: 1,765 | Avg: 50.42 | HS: 134 | 100s: 6 | 50s: 7
New Zealand is relying on Daryl Mitchell as they pursue their first Champions Trophy title since 2000. The batting all-rounder has performed exceptionally well in Asian conditions, accumulating 552 runs at an impressive average of 69 during the 2023 World Cup. Mitchell’s ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when necessary makes him a valuable asset in the middle order. His recent form in the Tri-Nation series against Pakistan, where he scored two half-centuries, further highlights his importance in the Kiwi batting lineup.
Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)
- Matches: 58 | Runs: 2,074 | Avg: 44.12 | HS: 174 | 100s: 4 | 50s: 10
Heinrich Klaasen is recognized for his aggressive batting style, which positions him as a formidable middle-order player in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He boasts the third-best strike rate in ODI history among players who have faced a minimum of 500 balls, allowing him to apply consistent pressure on bowlers from the outset of his innings. Klaasen combines raw power with a highly effective pull shot, particularly against spinners, making him a key asset for the South African cricket team.
His remarkable performance in the 2023 World Cup, where he scored a century off just 61 balls, showcased his destructive batting capabilities. As South Africa prepares for the Champions Trophy, Klaasen is expected to play a vital role in securing important runs for his team.
Shreyas Iyer (India)
- Matches: 65 | Runs: 2,602 | Avg: 48.18 | HS: 128 | 100s: 5 | 50s: 20
India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, recently emphasized that Shreyas Iyer is “always important” to the team following his impressive performances in the 3-0 series victory over England. Iyer scored 181 runs in that series at an outstanding strike rate of 123.12. His role as a middle-order stabilizer and aggressor is crucial, particularly given Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s recent inconsistency. Iyer’s ability to keep the scoreboard moving during the middle overs establishes him as a key player in India’s pursuit of the title.
Ben Duckett (England)
- Matches: 19 | Runs: 831 | Avg: 46.16 | HS: 107 | 100s: 2 | 50s: 6
Ben Duckett plays a critical role in providing England with aggressive openings in their batting lineup. He forms a strong left-right partnership with Phil Salt, which is advantageous in various cricketing scenarios. Duckett’s attacking style is particularly well-suited to the conditions found in Pakistan and the UAE, where a proactive approach to batting can significantly influence match outcomes. Although Duckett has had success with quick starts in India, England’s middle order has faced challenges in building on that momentum.
Duckett’s Form Key to England’s Champions Trophy Success
With a lineup that includes Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Jos Buttler, Duckett’s ability to convert his starts into substantial innings will be crucial for England’s success. As the Champions Trophy begins, these five batters will play a central role in their teams’ campaigns, each aiming to make a significant impact on the tournament.
Conclusion
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with some of the world’s top batsmen leading their teams. Fakhar Zaman, Daryl Mitchell, Heinrich Klaasen, Shreyas Iyer, and Ben Duckett are all expected to make major contributions with the bat. Their unique playing styles and recent performances have positioned them as key figures for their respective teams. As the tournament approaches, fans can look forward to seeing these batsmen play a crucial role in their teams’ successes, making the Champions Trophy 2025 a must-watch event.
FAQ’s
When does the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy start?
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will begin on February 19, 2025, in Karachi.
Who is Fakhar Zaman?
Fakhar Zaman is a Pakistani opening batsman known for his aggressive style and match-changing abilities. He scored Pakistan’s highest-ever ODI score of 210 runs and was a key player in their 2017 Champions Trophy win.
Which other batsmen should we watch out for in the 2025 Champions Trophy?
Other batsmen to watch include Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand), Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa), Shreyas Iyer (India), and Ben Duckett (England).
What makes Daryl Mitchell a key player for New Zealand?
Daryl Mitchell is a versatile all-rounder known for his ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when needed. He has been in excellent form, especially in Asian conditions, making him crucial for New Zealand’s chances.
