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Pakistan will begin the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. India will play their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in the UAE, a decision that was confirmed after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak, a senior UAE minister and head of the Emirates Cricket Board, in Pakistan. PCB spokesperson Amir […]
Pakistan will begin the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. India will play their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in the UAE, a decision that was confirmed after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Sheikh Nahyan Al Mubarak, a senior UAE minister and head of the Emirates Cricket Board, in Pakistan. PCB spokesperson Amir Mir stated, “The PCB has selected the UAE as a neutral venue for the Champions Trophy.”
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Group A – Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand
Group B – Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa
Pakistan, the defending champions, will start the tournament on February 19 against New Zealand in Karachi. Their final group match, against Bangladesh, will take place in Rawalpindi on February 27.
The second group features Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa, with matches for both groups (except India’s games) taking place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 (without a reserve day) and March 5 (with a reserve day), while the final will be held on March 9, also with a reserve day.
If India reaches the first semi-final, it will be played in the UAE; otherwise, it will take place in Pakistan. The final is set for Lahore, but if India qualifies, it will be moved to the UAE.
This hybrid model was agreed upon after discussions, ensuring that Pakistan’s matches at ICC events in India until 2027 will also be held at neutral venues. This includes knockout games like the semi-finals and finals. The agreement starts with the Champions Trophy and extends to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India, the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, and the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan, which kicks off the next events cycle.
Nathan McSweeney, at 25 years old, played a match-winning role as Brisbane Heat secured a thrilling last-ball victory over Adelaide Strikers in the BBL. McSweeney, who had been dropped from Australia’s Test squad for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, responded to the disappointment with an unbeaten 78. His composed innings guided Heat to a three-wicket win, with Mitchell Swepson hitting the final ball for a single to seal the victory. Despite the last-ball finish, it was McSweeney’s steady performance under pressure that was the highlight.
McSweeney was instrumental in the chase, especially during the power surge. He took 16 runs off Henry Thornton’s second over and followed up with a six off Matthew Short. These aggressive shots helped Heat maintain momentum as they chased down Strikers’ total of 174 for 6. McSweeney’s calm under pressure was key in a high-stakes situation, reflecting the growth in his game after being tested by India’s Jasprit Bumrah during the Test series.
Matt Renshaw, who was in scintillating form, played a crucial role in the chase as well. He smashed 54 off 27 balls, including three sixes and several exquisite cuts and drives. His powerful stroke play gave Heat a strong start, and his 66-run partnership with McSweeney for the third wicket off just 39 balls brought Heat back into the contest. Renshaw’s dismissal, flicking a Lloyd Pope delivery onto his stumps, was a major turning point, but his earlier contribution had set the foundation for the win.
Earlier in the match, Strikers set a competitive target of 174 for 6. Pace bowler Thornton made early inroads, dismissing Jimmy Peirson (8) with his first delivery and then cleaning up Heat captain Colin Munro (7). Strikers’ English duo, Lloyd Pope and Jamie Overton, played key roles with the bat. Overton, with his powerful hitting, finished unbeaten on 45 off 24 balls, while Pope contributed 34 off 29. Overton’s big-hitting was particularly effective, as he crunched three sixes to lift Strikers to a challenging total.
Heat’s bowlers responded well, with Xavier Bartlett giving Heat the perfect start by dismissing D’Arcy Short (1) in the first over. The 22-year-old Will Prestwidge impressed with figures of 2 for 16, picking up the key wickets of Pope and Chris Lynn (24). Prestwidge’s accuracy and bounce kept the Strikers’ batsmen in check, setting up the chase for Heat. His performances, along with key contributions from McSweeney and Renshaw, ensured Heat’s successful chase and an exciting victory.
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