With the ICC Champions Trophy starting on February 19 in Karachi, teams are counting on their top batters. To lead the charge. Here are the Top 5 Batsmen to watch closely in the tournament:
Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
Matches: 85 | Runs: 3,627 | Avg: 46.50 | HS: 210 | 100s: 11 | 50s: 17.
Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s dynamic opener, can turn games around in an instant. His aggressive style earned him Pakistan’s highest-ever ODI score, an unbeaten 210 against Zimbabwe in 2018. His game-changing 114 in the 2017 Champions Trophy final helped Pakistan claim their first title. Recently returning from injury, Fakhar’s form in the Tri-Nation series makes him a vital player for Pakistan in 2025.
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
Matches: 45 | Runs: 1,765 | Avg: 50.42 | HS: 134 | 100s: 6 | 50s: 7.
Daryl Mitchell has been a standout for New Zealand, especially in Asia. His 552 runs at an average of 69 in the 2023 World Cup demonstrate his adaptability to the conditions. A middle-order stabilizer and accelerator, Mitchell’s contribution will be crucial for New Zealand as they pursue their first Champions Trophy title since 2000. His recent form in the Tri-Nation series against Pakistan highlights his importance. That make him in the list of Top 5 Batsmen to watch out in this tournament.
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Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)
Matches: 58 | Runs: 2,074 | Avg: 44.12 | HS: 174 | 100s: 4 | 50s: 10.
Klaasen’s aggressive play makes him a dangerous middle-order asset for South Africa. With the third-highest strike rate in ODI history, he applies consistent pressure on bowlers. His powerful strokes, especially against spinners, have proven effective, and his record-breaking century off just 61 balls in the 2023 World Cup highlights his explosive potential. Klaasen will be key to South Africa’s success in the Champions Trophy.
Shreyas Iyer (India)
Matches: 65 | Runs: 2,602 | Avg: 48.18 | HS: 128 | 100s: 5 | 50s: 20.
India’s Shreyas Iyer has become a crucial player, particularly after his match-winning performances in the series against England. His explosive batting at a strike rate of 123.12, along with his consistency in the middle order, will be essential for India, especially with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli showing recent inconsistencies. Iyer’s ability to anchor and accelerate the innings makes him a critical figure in India’s bid for the title.
Ben Duckett (England)
Matches: 19 | Runs: 831 | Avg: 46.16 | HS: 107 | 100s: 2 | 50s: 6.
Ben Duckett, known for his quick starts at the top of the order, will be a key player for England. His aggressive approach is ideal for the batting conditions in Pakistan and the UAE. Duckett’s ability to convert starts into big innings will be crucial for England, who boast a formidable middle order with Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Jos Buttler. Duckett’s role in the top order will be vital to England’s success in the tournament.
As the Champions Trophy begins, these Top 5 Batsmen are expected to play pivotal roles in their teams’ campaigns. With all eyes on their performances.
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