Courtesy: Google
Former England batter Kevin Pitersen has picked his four favourite teams that might compete in the knockout stages of the Champions Trophy 2025. He chose India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa as the favourites to feature in the semi-finals. However, he made a blunder while predicting the teams for the semi-final berth as India, the hosts Pakistan, and the Kiwi side are placed in the same group, and of three sides, only two can make it to the knockout stage.
“I mean, this is so hard. It really is. But with Mitchell Starc pulling out today, I'm gonna say India, Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand,” said Pietersen while speaking to Star Sports.
Pietersen believes Mitchell Starc's withdrawal will impact Australia which can make way for the four sides he named. The former right-handed batter also feels the Aussie side’s recent defeats in the absence of their key players Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood have left them in perilous situation. Pietersen also displayed his concern on England’s humiliating losses in white-ball series ahead of the marquee ODI event to be played in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
Pakistan to kick off the tournament against New Zealand
The opening game of the Champions Trophy 2025 will start with the encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand at Karachi’s National Stadium on February 19. On February 23, the high-voltage game between India and Pakistan will be played at the iconic Dubai International Stadium. The grand final will be held on March 9.
Prior to the humongous ODI event, Asian sides India and Pakistan have looked spectacular. The Men in Blue registered a 3-0 victory in their home ODI series against England while Pakistan also hit the headlines after recording their highest successful run chase in ODIs. In the third game of the triangular series, Pakistan chased down the score of 353 in Karachi, riding on magnificent innings of Mohammed Rizwan (unbeaten 122 off 128) and Salman Ali Agha (134 off 103).
