New Zealand cricketer Rasheen Ravindra has shared his predictions for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, predicting an exhilarating finish between New Zealand and Australia.
The highly anticipated tournament, scheduled to be held in Pakistan, will culminate in the final on March 9.
In an exclusive interaction with the ICC, the middle-order player was asked to name the two teams he expects to see in the final.
While he refrained from choosing between the world No. 1 ODI team, India, and the hosts, Pakistan, Ravindra made a bold prediction, as he backed the New Zealanders and Kangaroos to face off in the final.
Ravindra expressed his confidence in the competitive strength of both teams, noting that they have what it takes to reach the final stage of the tournament and compete for the prestigious title.
“It’s always hard to predict (the finalists) because you always want to say New Zealand because you’re involved. So hopefully we’ll be there. I mean we’ll take it game by game, and the other groups, it’s very difficult to count people like Australia,” Rushin said. .
“I think they’re a really good team, and they’ve shown how strong they are in all formats. Current ODI World Cup holders too. So hopefully it’ll be a Trans-Tasman derby. But we’ll do it.” He added: “Deal with each match individually and see what happens.”
The 25-year-old left-handed batsman was in stunning form during the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, amassing over 500 runs and helping New Zealand secure a place in the semi-finals.
Ravindra, who has 945 runs and 18 wickets from 28 ODIs, is excited about the opportunity to represent New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
“I think it’s amazing. Obviously having a short break from the Champions Cup and coming back this year is very exciting. I think the format is amazing, being able to play knockout games every time. There’s context to every game, which I think is Very exciting and something I look forward to.”
“You always play cricket to try to push yourself and try to win the game, so to carry that burden every game is great,” he added.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held from February 19 to March 9 at three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – along with Dubai.
The tournament consists of 15 matches with the participation of eight teams divided into two groups:
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: Afghanistan, South Africa, England, Australia
The tournament will begin with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the opening match on February 19 in Karachi.
New Zealand Champions Cup schedule
Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi, Pakistan – February 19
Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi, Pakistan – February 24
New Zealand vs India, Dubai – March 2