The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is just around the corner, with every team hoping to hit the ground running when the eight-team tournament begins from February 19. One such team that would be the cynosure of everyone’s eyes will be host Pakistan, captained by Mohammad Rizwan. They enter the competition as defending champions, after winning the last edition held in 2017 in England. But do they shape up as one of the strong contenders to win the title? Here’s a SWOT analysis from IANS of the Pakistan team that is set to begin their campaign with the tournament opener against New Zealand.

Strength: Pakistan possess players who can be game-changers on a particular day. Fakhar Zaman, back in the ODI team after the 2023 World Cup, can change the game around in a jiffy. If Babar Azam discovers his good form, then Pakistan will surely feel good about posting a huge total.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha are in great touch which augurs well for Pakistan. Their pace-heavy attack comprising Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf (if fit for the tournament) and Mohammad Hasnain adds the reliability and winning factor to the team.

Weakness: With Saim Ayub out due to an ankle fracture and Abdullah Shafique omitted due to poor form, Pakistan have a new-look opening combination with Fakhar and Babar, which hasn’t fired so far. With the first ten overs being crucial to post a big total, the Fakhar-Babar opening combination is a weak link.

Moreover, Pakistan left everyone baffled by picking one specialist spinner in Abrar Ahmed, who is injury-prone. With neither Sufiyan Muqeem nor Shadab Khan picked, it means Pakistan’s squad balance is a bit off. The lower order of Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah is another weak link as they haven’t done anything substantial at the international level.

Opportunity: Pakistan last hosted a multi-nation cricket tournament when the 1996 World Cup was on, including the final held in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Now 29 years later, Pakistan are back to being the host for an ICC event via the return of the Champions Trophy.

Though Pakistan will host 11 out of 15 matches in its three renovated venues in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, it is still a considerable achievement for a country who hasn’t hosted big-ticket sporting events due to violent acts, especially the March 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan Test team.

If Pakistan step up in both on and off-field activities during the Champions Trophy, it can pave the way for more sporting events to come its way in a country which has been battling economic and political instability.

Threat: As the hosts’ of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s performances will be closely watched by people at home and all over the world. While teams can thrive under this pressure, it can also cause them to crumble under it and make an early exit from the competition. With Pakistan carrying that unpredictable tag, it means their performances can go either way and that’s a big threat for them.

Pakistan vs South Africa, Tri Series 3rd ODI, Live Streaming: After making a losing start, hosts Pakistan are all set to face South Africa in the third ODI of the ongoing tri-series in Karachi on Wednesday. Pakistan will be coming to this match after facing a big 78-run defeat against New Zealand. Their new opponents South Africa also had a similar fate as they also lost against the Kiwis by six wickets. With two wins, New Zealand have entered the final and will be facing the winner of today’s match in the summit clash on Friday.

Earlier on Monday, star cricketer Kane Williamson hit a brilliant century to take New Zealand into the tri-series final with a thumping six-wicket against South Africa. He also overshadowed South African opener Matthew Breetzke‘s record score on debut. Breetzke scored 150 — the highest score by any batter in his first one-day international.

When will the Pakistan vs South Africa, Tri-Nation Series 3rd ODI match be played?

The Pakistan vs South Africa, Tri-Nation Series 3rd ODI match will be played on Wednesday, February 12.

Where will the Pakistan vs South Africa, Tri-Nation Series 3rd ODI match be played?

The Pakistan vs South Africa, Tri-Nation Series 3rd ODI match will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi.

What time will the Pakistan vs South Africa, Tri-Nation Series 3rd ODI match start?

The Pakistan vs South Africa, Tri-Nation Series 3rd ODI match will start at 2:30 PM (2 PM) toss.

Which TV channels will telecast the Pakistan vs South Africa, Tri-Nation Series 3rd ODI match?

The Pakistan vs South Africa, Tri-Nation Series 3rd ODI match will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Pakistan vs South Africa, Tri-Nation Series 3rd ODI match?

The Pakistan vs South Africa, Tri-Nation Series 3rd ODI match will be streamed live on FanCode app and website.

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

File image of Shaheen Afridi.© AFP

SA v PAK 2nd Test Day 2 LIVE Scorecard Updates© AFP

Right-hand batter Kamran Ghulam and left-arm seamer Shaheen Afridi’s exceptional performances guided Pakistan to victory over South Africa by 81 runs in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Newlands on Thursday. With this win, Pakistan take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series with the last fixture to be played at Johannesburg on Sunday. The Asian side got half-centuries from skipper Mohammad Rizwan (80), Babar Azam (73) and Kamran Ghulam (63) when compiling a total of 329 and that proved too much for the Proteas as a clinical bowling performance from Shaheen Afridi (4/47) and Naseem Shah (3/37) guided the visitors home.

It was Pakistan’s fifth bilateral ODI series victory on the trot – following previous series triumphs over Australia and Zimbabwe in recent months – and they also become the first Asian side to have won a trio of ODI series in South Africa have also tasted success in the country in 2021 and 2013.

It also helps Pakistan continue to build momentum prior to next year’s Champions Trophy event as they bid to become just the second side to defend the trophy after Australia managed to win consecutive titles in 2006 and 2009.

Pakistan defeated arch-rival India in the final of the Champions Trophy tournament at The Oval in London seven years ago in 2017 and will be considered among the favourites for next year’s event based on their current form in 50-over contests.

Rizwan was thrilled with the performance from his side, with the Pakistan captain paying special tribute to Ghulam for his Player of the Match heroics that arrived via some lofty late hitting.

“It was a fantastic team effort with everyone performing exceptionally well. As a captain, it’s always a great feeling to see such a performance. Saim Ayub’s positive start gave us a solid foundation so Babar and I decided to play a bit slower and consolidate the innings. However, Kamran Ghulam’s innings really boosted us and took the game away from South Africa. Initially, we were aiming for a target of around 300 but his knock helped us reach a 320-plus total.,” Rizwan said in the post-match presentation as quoted by the ICC.

“As a skipper, I had faith in Kamran Ghulam but I didn’t expect him to play like he did tonight. I’ve played with him in the same region KPK and Peshawar but he showed a completely different side of his game today. He’s a bright prospect for Pakistan,” the wicketkeeper-batter added.

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma was left to rue a late fadeout from his batters, who had received good innings from Heinrich Klaasen (97) and Tony de Zorzi (34) early in the chase.

“We had things under control in the first 25 overs but we let them express themselves in the last 25. We let the good work in the first 25 overs slip away,” Bavuma said.

Pakistan 329 all out (Mohammad Rizwan 80, Babar Azam 73, Kwena Maphaka 4/72) vs South Africa 247 all out (Heinrich Klaasen 97, Tony de Zorzi 34, Shaheen Afridi 4/47).

SA v PAK LIVE Scorecard, 1st ODI© AFP

Former Pakistan cricket team fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was all praise for the youngsters as Pakistan registered a historic ODI series victory over Australia. Pakistan won the final ODI encounter by 8 wickets to clinch the three-match series 2-1 to register their first ODI series win on Australian soil in 22 years. Akhtar praised fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah for their impressive performances and recalled his experiences of 2002 – the last time when Pakistan won in Australia.

“Outstanding win. After 22 years, we won against Australia. In 2002, I remember I was there. We had won a series in Gabba, and it took us 22 years for the players to win the series. And they did an amazing job. They played really well. There was an attitude change. Rizwan changed the attitude. Naseem, Haris, Shaheen. All of them played really well and at the same time they did a comprehensively good job,” Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan praised bowlers for their 2-1 ODI series win over Australia after beating Australia by eight wickets in the third and final match at Perth Stadium on Sunday.

This was Pakistan’s first ODI series win over the hosts in 22 years. Chasing a modest 141 target, Pakistan openers, Saim Ayub (42) and Abdullah Shafique (37) added 84-run partnership for the first wicket. Rizwan (30 not out) and Babar Azam (28 not out) knitted an unbroken 58-run partnership for the third wicket to take the side over the line in 26.5 overs.

Earlier, after being put into bat, Australia were bowled out for 140 in 31.5 overs. Sean Abbott (30) was the top run-getter for the losing side. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah bagged three scalps each while Haris Rauf ended up taking two wickets.

“Special moment for me, the nation will be very happy today, we didn’t perform as per expectations in the last couple of years. I’m the captain only for the toss and presentations – everyone gives me suggestions on the field, the batting group and the bowling group,” Rizwan said in the post-match presentation.

“All the credit to the bowlers, Australia in Australia isn’t easy, the conditions suit their style of playing, but the bowlers were outstanding. Also credit to the two openers, they made the chases easy. They (fans) don’t care a lot about the results, but the people back home are always behind us and I want to dedicate this victory to them,” the wicketkeeper-batter added.

(With IANS inputs)

Saim Ayub hit 42 and Abdullah Shafique 37 as Pakistan raced to a commanding eight-wicket victory and their first one-day series win in Australia for 22 years on Sunday. After bowling out the woeful world champions for a miserly 140 at Perth Stadium, Mohammad Rizwan’s team reached their target in the 27th over. The impressive performance, aided by high-quality bowling from Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, ensured a first ODI series win in Australia since 2002.

They lost a tense opening match in Melbourne by two wickets, but bounced back with an emphatic nine-wicket victory in Adelaide.

“It’s a special moment for me and the fans,” said captain Rizwan. 

“I’ll give all the credit to the bowlers. Australia in Australia is not easy. 

“But Saim and Abdullah have given us a couple of great starts, too,” he added.

“The fans love us regardless of whether we win or lose and I really appreciate that.”

The hosts rested Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc in Perth ahead of the Test series starting this month against India, and they were missed.

Shafique and Ayub began aggressively and rode their luck, with little spark from the bowlers.

Ayub, who smashed 82 in Adelaide, survived two dropped catches, by Lance Morris and Spencer Johnson, as he swung the bat.

Shafique was also put down on 28, by Adam Zampa, as they reached the halfway point in the chase without loss in the 14th over.

Australia finally got a reward when Morris caught and bowled Shafique and then bowled Ayub five balls later.

But Rizwan (30) and Babar Azam (28) kept calm to steer them home.

Outplayed

Rizwan won the toss and sent in Australia, who were no match for Afridi (3-32), Shah (3-54) and Rauf (2-24).

Sean Abbott top-scored with 30 before they were bundled out in the 32nd over.

“It’s pretty disappointing, to be honest,” said skipper Josh Inglis.

“I think after probably the first three-quarters of the first game (in Melbourne) we were totally outplayed.

“Not enough runs on the board in games two and three.”

Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short again opened, desperate for runs after failing to make an impact at Melbourne and Adelaide.

But on a pitch suited to the quick bowlers Fraser-McGurk once more flopped, nicking a swinging Shah delivery to wicketkeeper Rizwan on seven.

Aaron Hardie, at three in place of Smith, lasted 13 balls for his 12 before being caught at slip off the dangerous Afridi.

That brought Inglis to the crease, but he too departed cheaply for seven, skying a Shah bouncer that Rizwan collected to leave Australia on 56-3 in the 11th over.

Rauf then accounted for Short (22) before youngster Cooper Connolly, in only his second ODI, was forced to retire hurt on seven after a blow to his hand.

Out-of-form Glenn Maxwell only survived two balls with Rauf bagging him for the third time this series, caught at point by Ayub, while Marcus Stoinis added just eight to the score as Australia stumbled to 88-6.

Abbott and Adam Zampa (13) shared a handy 30-run partnership before the tail was mopped up.

Australia spinner Adam Zampa had a hilarious exchange with newly appointed Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan during the second ODI of a three-match series in Adelaide on Friday. The incident happened in the 34th over of Australia’s innings, which came to a premature end on the final ball of the 35th over. After Pakistan opted to bowl, Australia, following their narrow defeat in the series opener in Melbourne, could only manage 163 at the Adelaide Oval. Amid Australia’s batting collapse, an incident involving Zampa and Rizwan caught the attention of the fans.

On the 4th ball of the over, Naseem Shah bowled a short-pitched ball to Zampa, who tried to pull it away towards deep backward square leg. Since the ball went past close to the bat, Rizwan made a loud appeal for a caught-behind chance.

However, the umpire soon turned down the appeal. Since the bowler was not too confident about an edge, Rizwan hilariously asked Zampa if he heard something. Zampa then decided to poke some fun at Rizwan, who also asked him whether he should take the DRS or not.

Zampa’s mind games paid off as Rizwan took the bait and wasted a DRS. The replays on Snicko showed that there was a huge gap between bat and ball. Despite losing the review, Rizwan was a good sport with the Pakistan skipper sharing a smile with Zampa.

“You should take it!” #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/WL2KFDCfrJ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 8, 2024

Meanwhile, Haris Rauf took 5-29 to skittle Australia for 163. In perfect conditions, Rauf’s pace caused all sorts of problems, with Steve Smith’s 35 the top score as the hosts succumbed in the 35th over.

Jake Fraser-McGurk slammed three boundaries from Naseem Shah’s first over, but was out lbw in the following over for 13 to Shaheen Shah Afridi with the ball nipping back.

Short had a huge left-off on eight, with Afridi dropping a sitter by the ropes.

But the veteran paceman made amends, tempting Short into a cover drive shortly after on 19 that Babar Azam did well to hold.

Josh Inglis hit a breezy 18 before he gloved behind to Rizwan off Rauf, with the same pair accounting for Marnus Labuschagne (6) to leave Australia on 87-4 in the 16th over.

At the other end, Smith had a let-off on 14, with Saim Ayub getting his fingertips to a cover drive but unable to cling on.

The veteran finally fell when he got an edge to a Mohammad Hasnain delivery, and when Rauf and Rizwan again combined to remove Aaron Hardie (13) the hosts were 121-6.

Rauf struck again with the key wicket of dangerman Glenn Maxwell, bowling him for 16, while Michell Starc lasted only four balls before falling to Shah.

Rauf collected only his second ODI five-wicket haul by once more teaming with Rizwan to remove Pat Cummins (13).

(With AFP Inputs)

Australia vs Pakistan 2nd ODI Highlights© AFP