Bowlers are always going to be the match-winners, and that’s why the saying goes, batters win you games, but bowlers win you tournaments. When it comes to any ICC tournament, their role is extremely significant, as there is no hidden fact that teams can score 400 or even 200 in 50 overs. However, to defend that total, it’s essential to strengthen the bowling line-up, making it easier to defend a high total or restrict the opposition to a low score if you have top-grade bowlers.
For the Champions Trophy 2025, all eight teams have announced their squads, and unsurprisingly, everyone’s attention is on which team looks the most lethal. In the case of India and Australia, two cricketing powerhouses, both suffered massive setbacks. On one hand, India will be without Jasprit Bumrah, while on the other, Australia will miss Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. Nevertheless, there are quite a few teams that look formidable due to the kind of bowling attack they possess. Three teams, in particular, stand out because of their solid line-ups, their bowlers capable of defending any total or restricting opposition batters to low scores. So, which teams have the best bowling attacks for the Champions Trophy 2025? Let’s take a look.
Afghanistan
No longer underdogs, Afghanistan is here at the Champions Trophy to win. The amount of trust cricket fans have in this team is incredible. What they have achieved in the last few years is surely a joy to watch – from playing their best cricket in the 50-over World Cup last year to defeating South Africa in the ODI series. And that’s all possible due to the kind of bowlers they have. Yes, their batters are always improving, but once again, bowlers like Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and spinners like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmed, they are always ready to give their best. All are once again here in this upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, and the team looks stronger than ever. They also understand the Asian conditions pretty well, making them a favourite contender to win this ICC Trophy due to the depth in their bowling lineup.
New Zealand
They are often seen as dark horses, but this time they are strong contenders. New Zealand, with bowlers like Willam O’Rourke, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Mitchell Santner, always has something to show. The Black Caps recently won the tri-series held in Pakistan, and since they will once again play the Champions Trophy on these surfaces, it shows they have a strong chance to capitalise on that, just like they did in the recently held series. All their bowlers look in form, and we may see some impressive performances from this side.
Pakistan
Now, it is also difficult to overlook Pakistan’s bowling attack. This is something no one wants to do in any ICC tournament, as their bowling is the real strong suit. Once again, not just because they are the hosts, but because they also have a strong bowling attack, making them a favourite to defend their title. Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, all are champion bowlers, and they will look to create more chances. Yes, in recent times, we have seen their bowlers struggling and giving away runs, but still, many fans will back Pakistan’s bowling lineup in the Champions Trophy.
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