For ICC Champions Trophy, Shoaib Akhtar makes huge prediction
Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has made his predictions for the semi-finalists of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. Akhtar believes that Asian teams will have an advantage due to the local conditions.
Akhtar predicts that India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will reach the semi-finals. He believes that if Afghanistan's batting lineup performs well, they could surprise many. Akhtar did not include Australia, the current world champions, in his predictions.
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams, divided into two groups of four. India and Pakistan are in the same group, implying that Akhtar expects New Zealand and Bangladesh to be eliminated. Afghanistan is grouped with Australia, England, and South Africa.
Akhtar is confident that Pakistan will defeat India in their match on February 23 and expects both teams to meet again in the final. In the 2017 Champions Trophy final, Pakistan defeated India, while India won the 2013 Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni.