The 2025 Champions Trophy gets underway with Pakistan taking on New Zealand and here are the power ratings of all eight teams ahead of the tournament.
1. India
India head into the 2025 Champions Trophy as the No.1 ranked side in our power rankings due to a well-set squad. Retaining most of their core from the 2023 ODI World Cup, India boasts a formidable batting line-up, a strong spin attack, and experienced all-rounders that also give them batting prowess all the way down to No.8. However, Jasprit Bumrah’s injury casts a shadow over their pace unit, with Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh shouldering responsibility in his absence. Hardik Pandya’s return adds balance to the side, but the lack of an established back-up pacer is a concern. They might also struggle on very sluggish tracks against spin in Dubai with the bat but they will have their own slower bowlers to unleash should they be confronted with those sort of conditions. Despite this, India’s depth and experience make them the team to beat.
2. South Africa
South Africa’s squad boasts a strong batting line-up with even Tristan Stubbs unlikely to slot in unless they make changes to the top. They have plenty of all-round options, with Marco Jansen a certain starter. Kagiso Rabada is one of the best bowlers of the generation but the collective absence of Anrich Nortje and Gerald Goetzee is a massive blow. In Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, South Africa also have a strong spin unit but concerns potentially remain over their batting depth if Jansen is deployed alongside four frontline bowlers.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand are another team that have most bases covered - Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell counter spin well, crucial for games against India and Bangladesh, while Glenn Phillips provides late-order firepower and is excellent against the pacers. Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell lead a strong spin attack that also adds batting depth. With part-timers Phillips and Rachin, New Zealand boasts eight batting and seven bowling options. Their fast bowling unit is relatively inexperienced but they have an abundance of pace, which can rattle the best of batters on their day.
4. Australia
The defending ODI World Cup champions will enter the Champions Trophy with a significantly depleted squad. Injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh, alongside Mitchell Starc’s withdrawal and Marcus Stoinis’ shock retirement, leave gaps, particularly in the bowling attack. While Travis Head, Steven Smith, and Glenn Maxwell provide a solid and experienced batting core, Australia’s pace attack will be tested. Australia's batting will need to carry the team deep into the tournament.
5. England
England have not prioritised the ODI format in recent years, with their focus shifting after their 2019 World Cup win, which was followed by a decline in List A cricket due to the introduction of the Hundred. Their 2023 World Cup defence faltered, despite a core group of experienced players. Since then, there has been a squad refresh, but they have struggled in recent bilateral series as well. Their batting against spin is the biggest concern although the bowling attack still packs a punch, led by Mark Wood and Jofra Archer with Adil Rashid through the middle.
6. Pakistan
Pakistan faces a setback with Saim Ayub ruled out of the tournament, leaving a gap in their squad after three series wins last year. Recent tweaks to the side, including the return of Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf, have arguably weakened the team, particularly in their bowling, as shown in their recent tri-series loss. Babar Azam now opens with Fakhar Zaman, who has made a strong return. However, Pakistan’s lower middle-order remains vulnerable, and they lack sufficient spin depth, relying on part-timers Khushdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha to cover the deficiency, which could be a risky strategy.
7. Afghanistan
Afghanistan will be hopeful of another semi-final appearance in an ICC event. Their success heavily relies on openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who have been the second-most prolific ODI opening pair since 2020, behind only Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Their biggest strength is undoubtedly their spin attack, with Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharote forming a potent unit. Placed in Group B with England, Australia, and South Africa, Afghanistan have a strong chance to make it through, especially with England’s struggles against spin and Australia’s injury concerns.
8. Bangladesh
Bangladesh are in transition, following the exits of key players like Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan. Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taskin Ahmed are the senior figures, though Shanto's poor form is a concern. The middle order, featuring Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, is experienced, while the fast-bowling attack, led by Taskin and including Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana and Mustafizur Rahman shows promise. However, their spin attack is no longer as lethal and the fielding is an area of concern.
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