With the ICC Champions Trophy set to begin on 19 February in Karachi, teams will rely on key batters to anchor their campaigns.
Here are the 5 batsmen ICC expects to make an impact in the tournament:
Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
- Matches: 85 | Runs: 3,627 | Avg: 46.50 | HS: 210 | 100s: 11 | 50s: 17
Fakhar Zaman remains Pakistan’s most explosive opener since Saeed Anwar, capable of changing a game’s momentum within moments.
His aggressive strokeplay has produced Pakistan’s highest-ever ODI score, an unbeaten 210 against Zimbabwe in 2018.
His most iconic innings came in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where he smashed 114 against India to set up Pakistan’s maiden title win.
After a spell on the sidelines due to injury, Fakhar recently returned to form in the Tri-Nation series and will be crucial to Pakistan’s chances in the 2025 edition.
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
- Matches: 45 | Runs: 1,765 | Avg: 50.42 | HS: 134 | 100s: 6 | 50s: 7
New Zealand will look to Daryl Mitchell as they chase their first Champions Trophy title since 2000.
The batting all-rounder has thrived in Asian conditions, scoring 552 runs at an average of 69 in the 2023 World Cup.
Mitchell’s ability to rotate strike and accelerate when needed makes him a valuable middle-order asset.
His recent form in the Tri-Nation series against Pakistan, where he notched two half-centuries, further underscores his importance to the Kiwi batting lineup.
Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)
- Matches: 58 | Runs: 2,074 | Avg: 44.12 | HS: 174 | 100s: 4 | 50s: 10
Heinrich Klaasen’s attacking mindset makes him a dangerous middle-order batter.
With the third-best strike rate in ODI history (minimum 500 balls faced), he puts pressure on bowlers from the start.
Equipped with raw power and a precise pull shot against spinners, Klaasen’s aggressive approach has paid dividends for South Africa.
His century off just 61 balls in the 2023 World Cup highlighted his destructive potential, and the Proteas will rely on him for crucial runs in the Champions Trophy.
Shreyas Iyer (India)
- Matches: 65 | Runs: 2,602 | Avg: 48.18 | HS: 128 | 100s: 5 | 50s: 20
India head coach Gautam Gambhir recently labeled Shreyas Iyer as "always important" to the team after his standout performances in their 3-0 series win over England.
He added 181 runs in that series at a blistering strike rate of 123.12.
Iyer’s role as a middle-order stabilizer and aggressor will be crucial, especially with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s recent inconsistency.
His ability to keep the scoreboard ticking in the middle overs makes him a key figure in India's title bid.
Ben Duckett (England)
- Matches: 19 | Runs: 831 | Avg: 46.16 | HS: 107 | 100s: 2 | 50s: 6
Ben Duckett provides England with explosive starts at the top of the order, forming a formidable left-right partnership with Phil Salt.
His aggressive approach suits the conditions in Pakistan and the UAE, where batting is expected to play a decisive role.
Despite his quick starts in India, England’s middle order struggled to capitalize.
With a lineup featuring Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Jos Buttler, Duckett’s ability to convert his starts into substantial innings will be vital for England’s success.
As the Champions Trophy kicks off, these five batters will be central to their teams’ campaigns, aiming to leave their mark on the tournament.
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