The ICC Champions Trophy returns after an eight-year absence in 2025 and promises to deliver a truly thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.

Defending champions and hosts Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside Bangladesh, India and New Zealand. Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa are in Group B. 

Read on as we take a closer look at three of the most unmissable matches at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. 

Australia vs England – February 22

Gaddafi Stadium will host one of cricket’s oldest and most celebrated rivalries as England and Australia go head-to-head in a fierce battle for supremacy on February 22.

England are still waiting to win the prestigious tournament for the first time, while Australia are eyeing a third success on the global stage.

Australia are more seasoned in the art of winning the title, so it is no surprise that most betting sites rate them as the early favourites to clinch the coveted crown.

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Australia will fancy their chances of kicking off their campaign with a victory over England, and the odds suggest they will be tough to beat as the tournament progresses.

England have twice claimed the runners-up spot in the Champions Trophy, but may find it difficult to finish ahead of Australia and South Africa in the group stage.

Pakistan vs India – February 23

One of the most eagerly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy contests will take place in Dubai on February 23 when Pakistan and India renew acquaintances.

Only a handful of rivalries stir up emotions like that between Pakistan and India, making it arguably the most unmissable contest of the 2025 schedule.

There has not been much to separate these two sides over the years, but India will be desperate to get one over their rivals, especially after falling to a disheartening defeat in the 2017 final.

Pakistan have a slight historical edge in the tournament, leading the head-to-head record 3-2, including their dominant triumph eight years ago.

However, the odds are firmly stacked against the hosts. India have dominated their rivals in recent one-day international meetings and are the favourites to enhance their record.

The bad blood between these two sides is precisely what makes this contest unmissable. The stakes are high, and both teams will be going for the jugular from the outset.

England v South Africa – March 1

Karachi will host an eagerly anticipated contest on March 1 as South Africa and England lock horns at the National Stadium.

Both teams have had mixed fortunes in the 50-over version of the sport since the 2023 Cricket World Cup. However, both sides have what it takes to put in a huge performance on the big stage, and fans will be expecting a thrilling encounter.

England’s batsmen are known for their aggressive style of play. They have the potential to amass challenging totals, and the 2019 Cricket World Cup champions will rely on their quick scoring.

However, coming up against a South Africa side that boasts a versatile bowling attack will be a different challenge for England. The Proteas have an all-round attack that can counter England’s plans, with bowlers who can deliver both attacking and containing options.

England will need to set or chase totals with Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root anchoring the innings, but South Africa will look to restrict their free-scoring batsmen.

It is anyone’s guess which way this match will go, but it has all the ingredients to produce a closely fought game in Karachi, with each side eager to prove their mettle.