In the context of the Champions Trophy 2025, India’s rivals—Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand—have varying strengths and weaknesses. Bangladesh relies on experienced players but struggles with consistency; Pakistan has explosive talent but faces form issues; and New Zealand boasts a strong lineup despite missing key bowlers. India’s matches against these teams will unfold through February and March 2025.
In preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025, India’s rivals—Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand—pose distinct challenges, warranting a SWOT analysis. Despite missing Jasprit Bumrah, India retains a strong batting lineup and spin attack, making them a serious contender alongside South Africa. India’s matches against these teams are scheduled: Bangladesh on February 20, Pakistan on February 23, and New Zealand on March 2.
Bangladesh
Strength: Bangladesh excels in ODIs, with a history of reaching the Asia Cup finals and qualifying for the World Cup quarter-finals. Talented players like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim bring experience, and multi-talented cricketers like Soumya Sarkar bolster the squad.
Weakness: Inconsistency against stronger teams has been Bangladesh’s ongoing concern. Litton Das’s exclusion from the squad due to form is a significant miss, and Shakib Al Hasan’s bowler suspension has limited his contributions.
Opportunity: Slower pitches in Dubai could benefit Bangladesh, particularly their spinners Mehidy Hasan and Rishad Hossain, along with the pace variations from Mustafizur Rahman, who can be challenging for opposing batsmen.
Threat: Bangladesh’s recent form has been troubling, with five losses in six ODIs. Their top-order batting, including captain Nazmul Shanto, has struggled lacking impactful players who can change the game’s momentum.
Pakistan
Strength: Pakistan possesses players capable of explosive performances. Notably, Fakhar Zaman, who excelled in the 2017 final against India, alongside strong forms from skipper Mohammed Rizwan and finisher Salman Ali Agha, makes them formidable.
Weakness: The team faced setbacks with Saim Ayub’s injury and Babar Azam’s underwhelming returns in recent series. Inconsistencies from players like Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf are concerning, particularly given the flat pitches they will play on.
Opportunity: Playing at home provides Pakistan with a significant advantage with a potent pace attack. If the pitches in Karachi and Rawalpindi suit their bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Harris Rauf could thrive, while Agha’s all-round skill adds depth to the squad.
Threat: Relying on a single specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, raises risks. The bowling effectiveness from pacers like Shaheen and Naseem has faltered in recent matches, raising doubts about their adaptability to ODI conditions.
New Zealand
Strength: New Zealand’s lineup is robust, boasting experienced players adept in the sub-continent’s conditions. Opener Devon Conway and captain Kane Williamson are key, complemented by powerful middle-order hitters like Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.
Weakness: Notably absent are seasoned fast bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult, creating a gap in experience. The fast-bowling attack may struggle on sub-continental pitches, impacting their effectiveness against varied conditions.
Opportunity: As perennial contenders, New Zealand’s presence in the top four is almost guaranteed, led by reliable skipper Mitchell Santner. Control during middle overs with Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell will be pivotal in their matches.
Threat: How New Zealand handles spinners during critical match phases will be essential, particularly against skilled Indian and Bangladeshi bowlers. Adapting to flatter conditions in Pakistan and the UAE will require special skills to excel in ODIs.
India faces diverse challenges from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Bangladesh relies on its seasoned batsmen and all-rounders, while Pakistan’s home advantage and explosive talent make them a threat. New Zealand’s experience against sub-continental conditions is an asset, but their recent loss of key fast bowlers could be detrimental. Understanding these SWOT factors will be crucial for India’s strategic approach during the tournament.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
