Match Details
- Fixture: Australia vs England, Champions Trophy 2025
- Date & Time: Saturday, 2:30 PM IST (Toss at 2 PM)
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Broadcast & Streaming: Star Sports, Network 18, JioHotstar
Team Overview
Australia
Led by Steve Smith, Australia will be eager to kick off their Champions Trophy campaign with a win. However, injuries have plagued their squad, making this a tough challenge. Despite that, their top order, featuring Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Smith, holds the key, while their bowling attack is reliant on Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, and Sean Abbott.
England
England, captained by Jos Buttler, enters with a settled squad and a strong pace attack, boosted by the return of Jofra Archer. Jamie Smith’s comeback as the wicketkeeper and No. 3 batter adds stability, while experienced names like Joe Root, Phil Salt, and Harry Brook will look to dominate.
Key Players to Watch
Australia
- Steve Smith – The captain’s leadership and ability to anchor the innings will be crucial.
- Travis Head – A proven match-winner in white-ball cricket.
- Glenn Maxwell – Can turn the game around with his all-round performance.
- Adam Zampa – Australia’s key weapon in the middle overs.
England
- Jos Buttler – England’s most explosive batter and leader from the front.
- Joe Root – A dependable middle-order batter who stabilizes innings.
- Jofra Archer – England’s ace pacer, returning to the squad after injuries.
- Phil Salt – In great form and known for his aggressive starts.
Head-to-Head Record in Champions Trophy
- Matches Played: 6
- Australia Won: 3
- England Won: 3
- Last Meeting: England defeated Australia in the 2017 semi-final.
Probable Playing XI
Australia
- Travis Head
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Steve Smith (c)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Josh Inglis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Alex Carey (WK)
- Nathan Ellis
- Aaron Hardie
- Sean Abbott
- Adam Zampa
England
- Phil Salt
- Ben Duckett
- Jamie Smith (WK)
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jos Buttler (c)
- Liam Livingstone
- Brydon Carse
- Jofra Archer
- Adil Rashid
- Mark Wood
Pitch Report – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The Lahore pitch has historically been batting-friendly, with teams consistently scoring above 300 in recent ODIs. However, under the lights, pacers may get some movement, and spinners could come into play. A high-scoring match is expected, with teams preferring to chase due to dew later in the evening.
Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
-
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Probable Scenarios
- If Australia Bats First: Expect a total between 280-320, relying on Head, Smith, and Maxwell to fire.
- If England Bats First: They could push beyond 300, given their aggressive top order.
- Bowling Impact: England’s pacers (Archer, Wood) vs. Australia’s spinners (Zampa, Maxwell) could decide the game.
Match Prediction
England looks slightly stronger due to their in-form squad and balanced attack, but Australia’s experience makes them a dangerous side. If Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell fire, Australia can pull off a win. Otherwise, England’s pace attack might dominate and start their campaign with a victory.
Prediction: England 60% – Australia 40%
