Pakistan vice-captain Salman Agha has shared his perspective on the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025, particularly the high-stakes clash between Pakistan and India. The prestigious tournament will commence on February 19 in Pakistan, with India’s matches set to take place in the Dubai. Among the most anticipated fixtures is the India-Pakistan encounter, scheduled for February 23 at the Dubai International Stadium.

Beating India or lifting the Champions Trophy? Pakistan’s Salman Agha settles the debate

While the match carries immense significance for both teams and their supporters, Salman believed that the bigger objective for Pakistan is to lift the Champions Trophy rather than solely focu?sing on defeating India. Speaking on the PCB podcast, Salman highlighted the emotional weight of the India-Pakistan rivalry but stressed the importance of maintaining a broader perspective.

“The atmosphere of an India-Pakistan match is unlike any other. People call it the biggest game in the world, and the intensity is always at its peak. But at the end of the day, it is just one match in a tournament. Winning the Champions Trophy as a team should be our ultimate goal, rather than celebrating a single victory,” Salman stated.

Despite prioritizing the overall tournament goal, Salman did not downplay the significance of the India-Pakistan contest and acknowledged the pressure tha?t comes with it. While speaking about the highly anticipated clash, he maintained that every player in the squad is eager to give their best against their arch-rivals. However, he reiterated that a single victory, no matter how significant, would not mean much if the team fails to win the tournament.

“Of course, we all want to win against India, and we will do everything we can to make it happen. I personally aim to give my best performance in that match. If we defeat India but fail to win the Champions Trophy, then there is no real benefit. But if, Allah forbid, we lose to India but go on to lift the trophy, that would be the biggest achievement,” Salman concluded.

Also READ: India or Pakistan? Shikhar Dhawan predicts the potential winner of Champions Tr??ophy 2025 clash in Dubai

Pakistan’s Roadmap in the Champions Trophy

With the focus firmly set on going the distance in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will begin their campaign against New Zealand on February 19 before taking on India in Dubai on February 23. Their final group-stage match will be against Bangladesh on February 27, which coul?d be crucial in determining their pathway to the knockout stage.

Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan will be keen on making a strong statement, especially after their inconsistent performances in recent ICC e?vents. Given their rich history in the Champions Trophy, having won the ti??tle in 2017 with a resounding victory over India, Pakistan will be eager to replicate that success and etch their name in the history books once again.

Also READ: India or Pa?kistan? Mohammad Amir predicts the winner of the high-voltage clash in Champions Trophy 2025

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It is not every day that a part-time spin bowler outsmarts a batter of Kane Williamson’s ability. But it happened during the ODI tri-series final between Pakistan and New Zealand when the star batter was totally out of the line for an incoming delivery from Salman Ali Agha and had to return to the pavilion disappointed.

Salman Ali Agha outfoxes Kane Williamson

The incident took during the 18th of the game as Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first at the National Stadium in Karachi, setting up a total of 243 runs for the Blackcaps to chase down and lift the trophy. In response, New Zealand did not have the start they wanted as their opener Will Young was sent back to the pavilion early by Naseem Shah.

Williamson and Devon Conway then developed a solid partnership for the 3rd wicket and added some crucial runs on the board. Pakistan desperate to break the partnership to defend their relatively low total, decided ?Salman to bowl for a change. Pakistan’s star performer, howev??er, struck early on in his spell as he bowled a fuller-length slow ball, significantly reducing his speed to 82 kmph. Williamson in hopes of a quicker full-length delivery, stepped in out of the crease and completely missed the ball which hit the middle and leg stump to mark the end of Williamson’s innings.

Here’s the video:

A 𝒃𝒊𝒈 moment in the game!

Williamson is outsmarted by @SalmanAliAgha1 🎯#3Nations1Trophy | #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/l20NR8nYdQ

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 14, 2025

Also Read: Ahmed Shehzad slams?? Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan for taking ‘brainless decision�?ahead of Champions Tro?phy 2025

New Zealand held their ground to secure a famous win

Despite Williamson’s departure, the Blackcaps�?innings did not derail as the visitors held their ground during the run-chase. Significant contributions from Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham in the middle order further consolidated New Zealand’s momentum as they managed to achieve the target in 45.2 overs to secure a famous win and win the ODI tri-nation series. New Zealand had a remarkable run in the tri-series in which they outperformed Pakistan and South Africa. The Blackcaps dominated Pakistan dur??ing the opening match of the series and then triumphed over Sout??h Africa to reach the finals of the series.

Also Read: New Zealand clinch ODI tri-series? with commanding 5?-wicket win over Pakistan in the final

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Pakistan showcased a spectacular run chase to defeat South Africa by six wickets in the third ODI of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2025 at the National Stadium on Wednesday, February 12. A stunning century from Salman Ali Agha, complemented? by Mohammad Rizwan’s masterful ton?, helped Pakistan chase down a record 353-run target with an over to spare.

Batters help South Africa in posting 352 runs

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa put up an imposing 352/5 in their 50 overs. Skipper Temba Bavuma anchored the innings with a well-crafted 82 off 96 balls, while Matthew Breetzke contributed 83 off 84. The real acceleration cam?e from Heinrich Klaasen, who hammered 87 off just 56 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and three sixes. Kyle Verreynne also played a quick cameo, scoring 44 off 32 balls.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the run flow, with Shaheen Afridi being the pick of the attack, taking 2 wickets for 66 runs in his 10 overs. Naseem Shah (1/68) and Khushdil Shah (1/39) chipped in with a wicket each, but the rest of the bowling unit was taken to task by the Proteas’ aggressive batting display.

Also WATCH: S?alman Agha takes a blinder to remove Matthew Breetzke | Pakistan Tri-Series 2025

Salman Agha and Rizwan orchestrate historic chase

??Chasing a daunting target, Pakistan got off to a brisk start with Fakhar Zaman smashing 41 off 28 balls. However, early dismissals of Babar Azam (23 off 19) and Saud?? Shakeel (15 off 16) put Pakistan under slight pressure. The stage was then set for a match-winning partnership between Rizwan and Salman Agha.

Rizwan played a composed yet aggressive knock, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 122 off 128 balls. Meanwhile, Salman Agha unleashed an attacking masterclass, scoring 134 off just 103 balls, laced with 16 fours and two sixes. Their remarkable 260-run stand? turned the game in Pakistan’s favour.

This has been a brilliant partnership between Rizwan, and the man with one of the most wonderful names in the current game; “Salman Ali ??A?gha�? Outstanding centuries.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 12, 2025

Tayyab Tahir sealed the chase with a boundary, ensuring Pakistan reached 355/4 in 49 overs.

Pakistan have booked their place in the final

Scorecard: //t.co/ir1dXShZIu#PAKvSA #ODI #cricket pic.twitter.com/4oLYVpvgWz

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 13, 2025

This was Pakistan’s highest successful chase in the history of ODI cricket. With this win, Pakistan also reached the final of the ODI Tri-Series.

Also READ: Shahid Afridi ??names backbone of Paki??stan team for Champions Trophy 2025

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In a moment of brilliance, Salman Ali Agha took a spectacular catch to dismiss Matthew Breetzke during the crucial ODI Tri-Series match between Pakistan and South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi. Breetzke, who has been in excellent form, was looking dangerous at the crease when Agha’s athleticism sent him back to the pavilion.

Salman Agha’s brilliance sends Matthew Breetzke packing

Breetzke, South Africa’s top-order batter, was instrumental in the previous match against New Zealand, scoring 150 runs. He looked set to repeat his performance on Wednesday (February 12). However, his knock was cut short thanks to Agha’s stunning effort.

This all happened on the first delivery of the 39th over in South Africa’s innings. Khushdil Shah bowled a flighted delivery outside off and Breetzke stepped forward to hit it towards the cover region. Reacting swiftly, Salman leaped to his right, stretched out one hand, and while mid-air, grabbed an outstanding catch.

Here’s the video:

STUNNING WORK IN THE FIELD 👏@SalmanAliAgha1 pulls off a blinder to dismiss Breetzke#3Nations1Trophy | #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/dJkKNyornp

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 12, 2025

Also WATCH: Babar Azam fever sweeps Karachi as fans erupt at National Stadium?? inaugurat??ion

South Africa posts a massive total

Batting first, South Africa delivered a commanding performance, po??sting an imposing 352/5 i??n their allotted 50 overs.

Skipper Temba Bavuma anchored the innings with a composed 82 off 96 balls, striking 13 fours. Breetzke complemented him with a solid 83 off 84, hitting 10 fours and a six. However, the real game-changer was Heinrich Klaasen, who unleashed a blistering 87 off just 56 deliveries, smashing 11 fours and 3 sixes to accelerate the scoring in the latter overs. Kyle Verreynne (44 off 32) also made a valuable contribution?? to push South Africa past the 35?0-run mark.

Pakistan’s bowling unit struggled to contain the onslaught. , Shaheen Afridi (2/66), Khushdil Shah (1/39) and Naseem Shah (1/68) were the only ones to make breakthroughs, while Abrar Ahmed (0/63) and Mohammad Hasnain (0/72)? endured expensive spells without p??icking up a wicket.

Chasing 353, Pakistan faces a formidable task. A strong start and a well-paced approach will be a must if they have to rea??ch the final of the Tri-Series and face New New Zealand.

Also WATCH: Shaheen Afridi engages in a heated exc??hange with Matthew Breetzke during PAK vs SA ODI | Pakistan Tri-Series 2025

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