Pakistan Strengths and Weaknesses in Champions Trophy
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which returns after an 8-year gap, starts on 19 February. The first matchup is scheduled between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium Karachi. With Pakistan hosting an ICC event since 1996, let’s look at Pakistan Strengths and Weaknesses in Champions Trophy.
Strengths
Strong Bowling Squad
Pakistan’s bowling squad features top pacers such as Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. Afridi who is known for his swinging deliveries at high speeds, leads the pack. Naseem Shah adds explosive pace and reverse swing to the pace attack, while Rauf’s yorkers in the death overs prove to be a threat. Shadab Khan leads the spin department with his leg-spin and middle-order attack.
Resilient Batting Lineup
Pakistan’s batting squad is built around Babar Azam, who is one of the top batters at the moment, he is known for his consistency and elegant strokes. Mohammad Rizwan, a decent wicketkeeper-batsman, offers both stability and the ability to accelerate when needed. Fakhar Zaman, known for his explosive innings, adds more firepower and depth to the batting order. Together, these key players provide a solid foundation, with a balance of steady communication and aggressive play, can ensure a consistent batting strength for the team.
Related article: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Weaknesses
Team Collapse under Pressure
Pakistan’s middle-order batting has been unstable under pressure, especially during high-profile events. In the 2023 World Cup, the team faced several batting collapses. Players must communicate constantly to sail through this occasion to support the top order. Batters have often depended on the performances of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. When these star players fail to perform, the team struggles to set competitive high totals. Focus on strengthening the middle order is important to reduce this pressure on star players.
Lack of Confidence
Pakistan since their last 2017 Champions Trophy victory, has struggled to achieve success in major ICC tournaments. The pressure of performing on the big stage often puts an additional pressure toll on the team’s mental morale and performance. Apart from this, they are currently at the 8th spot on the ICC Team ODI’s Rankings, and with the Champions Trophy being hosted by them is just going to add more pressure on their team morale.
If Pakistan can achieve the mental strength to tackle these issues, they are looking at a successful campaign, as they aim to safeguard their defending champions title.
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