A Different Take on the 2025 Champions Trophy
Have you ever come across a mystery story told in reverse? A thrilling tale that gives away its secrets right at the start? Well, that’s how we can describe the 2025 Champions Trophy.
This mini-World Cup is turning out to be one of the dullest ICC tournaments in recent memory. Aside from England’s matches (which were surprisingly engaging), most games have been one-sided. The excitement and suspense that cricket is known for—such as close finishes and nail-biting moments—have been lacking. In fact, many fans, including those from Pakistan, seem to know how each match is likely to end long before it actually does.
Take the semi-final between India and Australia, for example. Surprisingly, many hoped this match would break the mold and deliver a thrilling contest. On a slow pitch with a younger Australian bowling lineup, it felt like David and Goliath—only this time, Australia was the underdog facing the mighty Indian team.
In stories like these, one normally expects David to win only once. If he managed to do it repeatedly, he wouldn’t be the same David, would he? Unfortunately for Australia, they had their one stunning upset against India back in January 2021. That was when they shocked everyone with a victory at the Gabba, but this time, it was Goliath’s turn to triumph.
Back in 2021, a relatively inexperienced Indian bowling attack had stunned Australia on their home ground. Now, in Dubai, Australia entered what felt like an Indian stronghold, with a slightly more experienced bowling unit led by Adam Zampa. Memories of that unexpected Australian victory surely filled the players with hope.
But hope quickly faded as Australia began to falter. When Travis Head started with a bang, it looked promising. However, Zampa’s two disastrous deliveries sealed their fate. With India needing 24 runs off 20 balls and the game starting to come alive, Zampa offered two balls outside the off stump. Hardik Pandya, steady and calm, took full advantage, hitting a couple of powerful sixes and ending Australia’s dreams.
These moments perfectly mirrored the match. Every time Australia dared to picture victory, India swiftly knocked them back down, leading them to inevitable defeat.
Before those dramatic sixes, the only big question was whether Virat Kohli would secure another century in a run chase. But in a rare mishap, Kohli mishandled a delivery from Zampa and sent it straight into a fielder’s hands, missing out on a well-deserved milestone.
With the match already leaning heavily in India’s favor and KL Rahul flourishing at the other end, Kohli seemed to be pulling away from easy centuries. Maybe he was looking to add some drama to the game, not wanting to be just another predictable score in the Champions Trophy.
Moving on, India is once again headed to the finals of the Champions Trophy—this will be their fifth time in the finals this millennium and the third time in a row. It almost seems like India not only knocked Pakistan out of the tournament but also the tournament itself out of Pakistan.
We can’t help but feel for Pakistan. They were excited to host an ICC event for the first time since 1996, investing significant money to upgrade their stadiums while dreaming of significant revenues and global recognition. They even planned to showcase the trophy in parts of Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir. But as the saying goes, the Champions Trophy was just a fleeting light for them.
India has entered the scene like an uninvited guest, upending Pakistan’s chances of a good event and now looks poised to walk away with the trophy. The final, set to take place in Dubai, sees India as clear favorites, no matter who they face.
As the saying goes, if something can go wrong, it will. But India at the Champions Trophy defies that notion. With their current form, it appears that if something can go right, it will.
Playing like champions, India defends low totals while successfully chasing higher ones—the 265 runs they scored in their recent match was the team’s highest effort since 2013. They’re taking down their opponents with ease, and their batsmen are scoring plenty—although sometimes denying themselves milestones.
So, when the final whistle blows on Sunday, you might be left wondering why the other teams even bothered showing up if India was always destined to win. It seems like a good script rewrite is needed for the Champions Trophy.
