As the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, here's a look at the batters who can bring the tournament alive with their scintillating strokeplay.
Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
Matches 85, Runs 3627, Avg 46.50, HS 210, Centuries 11, Fifties 17
Considered the best Pakistan limited-overs opener since Saeed Anwar, Fakhar Zaman's genius lies in his ability to change the game's complexion in a matter of moments.
Fakhar played one of his finest knocks in just his fourth ODI when he slammed a quickfire 114 against India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final to set up Pakistan's maiden tournament win.
Fakhar was sidelined from cricket due to injury and illness since last June, but recently made his comeback in the Tri-Nation series, and will look to guide Pakistan towards another Champions Trophy success.
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
Matches 45, Runs 1765, Avg 50.42, HS 134, Centuries 6, Fifties 7
Much will be expected from Daryl Mitchell, as New Zealand set about winning their first Champions Trophy since 2000.
Since his debut, the batting all-rounder has thrived in Asian conditions, with a standout effort in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 (552 runs at an average of 69), and a healthy average in Pakistan (517 runs at 51.70).
Adept at cuts and drives, Mitchell also scores healthily off his legs and gradually builds his pace as the innings progresses.
Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)
Matches 58, Runs 2074, Avg 44.12, HS 174, Centuries 4, Fifties 10
The sight of Heinrich Klaasen in full flow can be demoralising for any opposition. Unlike most other middle-order batters, who take on the role of accumulators, Klaasen's approach is to put the foot on the pedal from the get-go.
While his brute force can easily send the ball out of the park, Klaasen also possesses a stylish pull that can stump the best of spinners, limiting the opponent's ability to control runs while he is at the crease.
His three outings in the recent Tri-Nation series against Pakistan saw the batter score two confident half-centuries, keeping the momentum running in the middle overs. Along with Kane Williamson, Mitchell will be key to New Zealand's batting success in the Champions Trophy.
Shreyas Iyer (India)
Matches 65, Runs 2602, Avg 48.18, HS 128, Centuries 5, Fifties 20*
The growing reliance of Shreyas Iyer in the India setup is underlined by head coach Gautam Gambhir's recent endorsement, labelling him 'always important' for India after their 3-0 series whitewash of England.
Shreyas starred with the bat, keeping up the momentum in middle overs, adding 181 runs at a strike rate of 123.12. He is maturing into a middle-order regular in recent years has been a blessing for the India ODI setup, with his presence taking pressure off the top order.
A middle overs enforcer who can take the role of aggressor should the situation demand, Iyer will be the lynchpin for India's batting, especially given the patchy recent form of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Ben Duckett (England)
Matches 19, Runs 831, Avg 46.16, HS 107, Centuries 2, Fifties 6
With a healthy batting average and a strike rate better than run a ball, Ben Duckett is England's enforcer at the top, with the responsibility of giving his side flying starts.
He forms a dangerous left-right combination with fellow opener Phil Salt, and together they will be instrumental in Pakistan and UAE, in conditions where batters are expected to play a major role in setting up match-winning totals or executing precise chases.
With the likes of Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Jos Buttler down the order, the temptation might be to give Duckett a free license.
But England management will know that despite his three starts in India, which helped Duckett to 131 runs at a strike rate of 122.42, the later batters weren't able to keep the momentum going.
Thus, it might be judicious for England to see the impactful opener settle down for longer knocks running into the middle overs for maximum impact.
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