Champions Trophy 2025 Begins with Key Matches and Tense Standings

KARACHI, Pakistan — The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicked off on February 19, with Pakistan facing a 60-run defeat against New Zealand at the National Stadium. This tournament, co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, features eight competitive teams vying for cricket’s prestigious title.

The eight participating teams are divided into two groups: Group A consists of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. A total of 15 matches will be played, combining both group and knockout phases.

In this edition, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals based on points acquired during the initial round-robin matches. In case of a points tie, teams will be separated by the number of wins, followed by net run rate as a tiebreaker if necessary.

This is the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy, marking its return after it last took place in 2017, when Pakistan defeated arch-rivals India by 180 runs. Both Australia and India hold the record for the most titles, each winning it twice, while New Zealand and South Africa have won it once.

In the tournament’s second match, South Africa secured a 107-run victory over Afghanistan, with opener Ryan Rickelton scoring 103 runs off 106 balls. South Africa’s total of 315-6 proved to be too much for Afghanistan, who were bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs. The victory broke South Africa’s six-match losing streak in One Day Internationals (ODIs).

This Sunday, the focus will turn to the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan, which carries significant implications for the hosts. If Pakistan loses, they will be eliminated from the tournament.

Ahead of this match, action will head to Lahore, where Australia takes on England at the Gaddafi Stadium. Group standings after the latest matches are closely contested, with New Zealand and South Africa currently leading their respective groups.

The current points table is as follows:

Group A
1. New Zealand: Played 1, Won 1, Points 2, Net Run Rate +1.200
2. India: Played 1, Won 1, Points 2, Net Run Rate +0.408
3. Bangladesh: Played 1, Won 0, Points 0, Net Run Rate -0.408
4. Pakistan: Played 1, Won 0, Points 0, Net Run Rate -1.200

Group B
1. South Africa: Played 1, Won 1, Points 2, Net Run Rate +2.140
2. Australia: Played 0, Won 0, Points 0, Net Run Rate 0
3. England: Played 0, Won 0, Points 0, Net Run Rate 0
4. Afghanistan: Played 1, Won 0, Points 0, Net Run Rate -2.140

As the competition unfolds, teams will aim to secure their spots in the next round against the backdrop of intense rivalries and the quest for the coveted Champions Trophy title.