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The Champions Trophy is making a comeback after approximately eight years since Pakistan won the 2017 edition. With the best teams in the world participating in the tournament, the competition is fierce as teams are placed in challenging groups from the start. Over time, underdogs have managed to eliminate top teams, and this time around, the danger looms large for the well-established sides.
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Group A features teams like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa. Although fans have been speculating about which sides will reach the semi-finals of the tournament, let us take a closer look at the four teams likely to make it to the semis:
1. Afghanistan
Afghanistan's participation in this tournament signifies their passion and resilience despite unending crises in their nation. Last year, the team reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup and has been once again strong favorites to repeat that effort this time.
Afghanistan has an extremely potent bowling attack well-suited for Pakistan's pitches. If their batting passes muster, they can defeat any other team in the world.
With players like Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Fazalhaq Farooqi on board, Afghanistan is eyeing a big show in the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy.
2. England
England faced a significant setback during the last edition of the ODI World Cup and have struggled to replicate their 2019 success. However, they cannot be underestimated, as England is renowned for making strong comebacks in limited-overs cricket.
The 2019 champions have been struggling in spin-friendly conditions but they will rely heavily on the services of Joe Root to play the role of anchor at the top and their spinners to provide regular breakthroughs.
They have a solid lineup that can challenge any team, and under the leadership of Jos Buttler, they will be aiming to lift the trophy this time. Their team has covered all bases, and it would be disappointing if England fails to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.
3. Australia
The Champions Trophy is the only title missing from Pat Cummins’ cabinet. Therefore, there is no doubt that the ODI champions will be eager to lift the coveted trophy this time. With all their bases covered, Australia stands out as the most dangerous side in the tournament.
The bowling department, led by Cummins and supported by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, is complemented by quality spin options like Adam Zampa, Travis Head, and Glenn Maxwell.
Their batting lineup is arguably the strongest in the tournament, and their fielding brilliance, showcased during the World Cup final, further enhances their chances.
Hence, another trophy in Pat Cummin’s cabinet will make him one of the greatest skippers in the history of the game and the Aussies will be looking to dominate the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy.
4. India
Despite being surrounded by controversies, Team India should not be underestimated. They have a power-packed team capable of decimating any opposition on their day. With experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma leading the charge, India remains a formidable force.
On the bowling front, concerns over Jasprit Bumrah’s workload persist, but fans will be relieved by the news of Mohammed Shami’s return in the upcoming home series against England.
Following their T20 World Cup triumph last year, India will be confident about their chances to win this title. The management’s approach to selecting the playing XI will be crucial in determining their success.
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