Five batters who can be match-winners in Champions Trophy 2025

The much-awaited tournament kicks off on February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi

PHOTO: AFP

As the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, cricket fans are eager to see which players will shine in the tournament. Among the many talented cricketers, these five batters are expected to play a key role for their teams with their brilliant strokeplay and match-winning performances.

Fakhar Zaman is Pakistan’s most dangerous opener since Saeed Anwar. Though he lacks Anwar’s effortless timing, Fakhar makes up for it with aggressive and fearless batting. He holds the record for the highest individual score by a Pakistani batter in ODIs—an unbeaten 210 against Zimbabwe in 2018.

Fakhar announced himself on the big stage with a stunning 114 against India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, helping Pakistan lift their first-ever title. He recently returned to action after being sidelined due to injury and illness and will be crucial for Pakistan as they aim for another Champions Trophy victory.

New Zealand will be hoping to win their first Champions Trophy since 2000, and Daryl Mitchell will be central to their campaign. He has been outstanding in Asian conditions, proving his worth with 552 runs at an average of 69 in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Mitchell has a solid technique, playing elegant cuts and drives while also scoring freely on the leg side. His recent performances in the Tri-Nation series, where he struck two crucial half-centuries, show that he is in excellent form. Along with Kane Williamson, Mitchell will be a key player in New Zealand’s batting lineup.

Few batters in world cricket can dominate bowlers like Heinrich Klaasen. Unlike most middle-order players who take time to settle, Klaasen attacks from the very first ball. He has the third-highest strike rate in ODI history (minimum 500 balls faced), making him a nightmare for bowlers.

Klaasen’s power-hitting allows him to clear boundaries with ease, while his stylish pull shot makes it difficult for spinners to contain him. His aggressive approach was on full display during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where he smashed a century off just 61 balls, including 12 fours and four sixes.

Shreyas Iyer has become a crucial part of India’s middle order. His importance was highlighted by head coach Gautam Gambhir, who called him "always important" after India’s 3-0 series win against England.

Iyer scored 181 runs in that series at an impressive strike rate of 123.12. He has the ability to keep the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs and can switch to an aggressive mode when needed. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggling for consistency, Iyer will be India’s key batter in the Champions Trophy.

Ben Duckett has been England’s enforcer at the top, providing explosive starts with his attacking batting. He forms a dangerous opening partnership with Phil Salt, and both will be crucial in the conditions of Pakistan and the UAE, where batters need to set up big totals or chase targets smartly.

Duckett had a solid tour of India, where he scored 131 runs at a strike rate of 122.42. However, England struggled to maintain momentum in the middle overs. The team management might want Duckett to play longer innings instead of just quick cameos to maximize his impact.

The much-awaited tournament kicks off on February 19, with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi. With top teams competing for the title, all eyes will be on these five batters as they look to make their mark on the grand stage.