New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra has made a bold prediction for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament, set to take place in Pakistan next month, is expected to be an exciting event for cricket fans.
Ravindra, known for his remarkable performance in the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, foresees a thrilling final match. He predicts a face-off between New Zealand and Australia on March 9, 2025.
- Rachin Ravindra predicts New Zealand and Australia will reach the final.
- The tournament will run from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
- Matches will be held across Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Dubai.
Ravindra’s Bold Prediction
In an interview with the ICC, Ravindra was asked to name the finalists he envisions. He confidently picked New Zealand and Australia while excluding top teams like India and hosts Pakistan.
“It’s always hard to predict, but I believe New Zealand and Australia have strong chances,” Ravindra said. He emphasized taking it “game by game” and acknowledged Australia’s consistent strength in all formats of cricket.
Ravindra’s Stellar Form
Rachin Ravindra has been in outstanding form, particularly in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He scored over 500 runs, aiding New Zealand’s journey to the semifinals. With 945 runs and 18 wickets in 28 ODIs, Ravindra is eager to contribute in the Champions Trophy.
“It’s exciting to have the Champions Trophy back. Every game feels like a knockout, which adds immense pressure and excitement,” he remarked.
Tournament Structure and Venues
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will span across three major venues in Pakistan—Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—and an additional venue in Dubai. The tournament features 15 matches with eight teams split into two groups.
Group A:
- Pakistan
- India
- New Zealand
- Bangladesh
Group B:
- Afghanistan
- South Africa
- England
- Australia
New Zealand’s Matches
New Zealand’s journey will begin on February 19, 2025, against Pakistan in Karachi. They will later face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi and India in Dubai.
New Zealand Champions Trophy Schedule:
- 19 February: Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
- 24 February: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
- 2 March: New Zealand vs India, Dubai
For the complete tournament schedule, you can refer to the official schedule.
Excitement for the Knockout Format
Ravindra expressed his enthusiasm for the knockout format of the tournament. “Each game carries immense significance, making the competition more intense,” he said. This format promises high stakes and dramatic finishes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The Return of the Champions Trophy
The Champions Trophy has returned after a brief hiatus, and Ravindra is thrilled about its comeback. He highlighted the importance of every match, emphasizing the unique pressure of playing knockout-style games throughout the tournament.
Fans looking to attend can find more details on ticket booking and event guidelines in the complete guide.
A Trans-Tasman Derby?
Ravindra’s prediction hints at the possibility of a Trans-Tasman derby in the final. With both teams showing great form, cricket enthusiasts can expect a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
In conclusion, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting event. With New Zealand and Australia potentially clashing in the final, fans worldwide eagerly await the action-packed tournament.
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