Australia & England clash in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group stage finale
The match is set to begin at 2:45 PM Nepali time.
KATHMANDU: The final group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will see Australia take on England at Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan.
The match is set to begin at 2:45 PM Nepali time.
Crucial Match for Semifinal Qualification
With South Africa leading the group with a superior net run rate, this match holds immense significance for both Australia and England in their bid to secure a semifinal berth.
Australia, a two-time Champions Trophy winner (2006 and 2009), has struggled in the past two editions, failing to register a single victory. They will aim to break their losing streak by defeating England.
England, runners-up in the 2004 and 2013 editions, will enter the field with hopes of claiming their first-ever Champions Trophy title.
Key Players to Watch
Australia
- Travis Head: Head was instrumental in Australia’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign, delivering match-winning performances in the semifinal against South Africa and the final against India. Australia will count on him to deliver once again.
- Adam Zampa: The experienced leg-spinner will be a key player in Australia’s bowling attack.
England
- Jofra Archer: The fast bowler, returning from injury, will be crucial in England’s pace attack.
- Jos Buttler: The England captain’s leadership and batting prowess will be vital for his team’s success.
Recent Form
Australia has been inconsistent in ODI cricket recently, losing its last two ODI series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Out of their last five ODIs, Australia has won only one and lost four.
England finds itself in a similar situation, having also lost four of their last five ODIs. In their previous five-match ODI series against Australia, England lost 3-2.
Full Squads
Australia
Steve Smith (C), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa.
England
Jos Buttler (C), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.
Tournament Format
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 features the top eight teams from the 2023 ODI World Cup, divided into two groups:
- Group A: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand
- Group B: Australia, Afghanistan, England, South Africa
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the final set to take place on March 9.
