The Champions Trophy 2025 is just around the corner, and all participating teams have arrived in Pakistan to finalize their preparations. However, Team India is currently in Dubai, where they will play all their matches, and the Bangladesh team will also play their first match against India in Dubai. As teams gear up for the tournament, they’re playing practice matches to get into the swing of things. One team in India’s group has caught attention by winning back-to-back matches, including three international matches and a practice contest.
India’s group is looking fierce with New Zealand and Bangladesh
Team India has been placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. The New Zealand team has been in Pakistan for a while, participating in a tri-series organized by the hosts, which also included South Africa. While South Africa’s performance was underwhelming, New Zealand put on an impressive show, defeating Pakistan and South Africa in the league phase and winning the series against Pakistan in the final.
New Zealand’s batting prowess on full display
In their recent practice match, New Zealand took on Afghanistan and emerged victorious, chasing down a target of over 300 runs in the second innings with ease. Although practice match results don’t count towards the official standings, this win marks New Zealand’s fourth consecutive victory, including the practice match. This streak could spell trouble for Team India, as they’re set to face New Zealand in a league match on March 2 at the Dubai International Stadium.
Afghanistan’s Rehmanullah Gurbaz shines despite team’s loss
In their match against New Zealand, Afghanistan batted first and scored 305 runs at the loss of 9 wickets in 50 overs, thanks in part to Rehmanullah Gurbaz’s century innings of 110 runs, which included 12 fours and a six on 107 balls. New Zealand successfully chased down the target of 306 runs in 47.5 overs, with Devon Conway scoring a key 66 runs. It remains to be seen how the New Zealand team will perform when the actual tournament begins.