The final date for naming the provisional squads for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is January 12, and teams are racing against time to finalize their line-ups. The tournament, starting February 19, will be hosted in a hybrid model, with Pakistan as the primary host and India’s matches played in the UAE due to political tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Th?is unique arrangement has added intrigue to what promises to be a competitive tournam??ent.

Pakistan’s preparation for the Champions Trophy

The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy is of paramount importance for Pakistan. They will enter the tournament as the defending champions, having clinched the title in 2017 in England, defeating India in the final. With their new white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, leading the side, Pakistan has displayed impressive form, recently whitewashing both Australia and South Africa in ODI series. However, injury concerns to some key play??ers could impact their campaign on home soil. Pakistan w?ill look to capitalize on the flat batting tracks at home, but their success depends on fielding a fit and balanced squad.

Here’s predicted Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025

1. Saim Ayub (Top Order Batter)

One of the standout players for Pakistan in recent months, Saim Ayub, faces an uncertain road to the Champions Trophy. The young left-hander, who has taken the cricketing world by storm with his phenomenal form in ODIs, suffered a?? fractured ankle during the second Test against South Africa?. This injury has ruled him out for a minimum of six weeks, casting doubt over his participation.

Ayub’s ODI Performances

• Matches Played: 9
• Centuries: 3
• Fifties: 1
• Recent Contributions: Saim was instrumental in Pakistan’s series win against South Africa, scoring 235 runs in his last three ODIs.

If Saim remains unfit, Pakistan might lose a key player who has proven his mettle on flat batting tracks. Even if he regains fitness just before the tournament, a lack of match practice could limit his effectiveness. In his absence, Imam-ul-Haq or Fakhar Zaman expected to step in as an opener alongside Abdullah Shafique.
2. Abdullah Shafique (Top-Order Batter)

Shafique is known for his composed batting technique and ability to anchor the innings. With solid performances in? Test and? ODI cricket, he is a reliable option at the top of the order. His adaptability to different conditions will be vital on flat and spin-friendly tracks. Shafique’s role will be crucial in providing Pakistan with steady starts in the Champions Trophy.

3. Mohammad Rizwan (Captain and Wicketkeeper)

Mohammad Rizwan’s consistency and leadership make him a key fig?ure for Pakistan. As the new white-ball captain, Rizwan has excelled in guiding the team and maintaining his form with the bat. His wicketkeeping skills add an edge, making him a complete pack??age. Rizwan’s ability to stabilize the innings under pressure will be invaluable in high-stakes matches.

4. Babar Azam (Top-Order Batter)

??Babar Azam, one of the world’s best batters, will carry the weight of Pakistan’s batting hopes. His exquis??ite stroke play and consistency make him the backbone of the batting lineup. Babar thrives in ODI cricket, and his performances in ICC events have always been noteworthy. His experience and calm demeanor will be crucial in navigating tough situations.

5. Irfan Khan (Top-Order Batter)

Irfan Khan, a promising talent, adds depth to Pakistan’s top order. With a strong domestic record, he has shown the ability to play long innings and handl??e pressure. His elegant batting style and knack for building partner?ships make him a valuable asset. Irfan’s inclusion offers Pakistan flexibility in shaping their batting strategy.

Also READ: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman predicts his four semifinalists of Champions Tro?phy 2025

6. Tayyab Tahir (Middle-Order Batter)

Tayyab Tahir is an aggressive middle-order batter with a reputation for finishing games. Known for his ability to counterattack, he can shift the momentum in P??akistan’s favor during the middle overs. His adaptability to different situations and spin-hitting prowess are key strengths. Tahir’s role will be vital in accelerating the run rate when required.

7. Usman Khan (Middle-Order Batter)

Usman? Khan brings explosiveness to Pakistan’s middle order with his attacking batting style. His ability to clear boundaries and handle high-pressure situations is a significant asset. Usman’s recent performances in limited-overs cricket have solidified his position in the squad. He is expected ??to play the role of a game-changer in crunch moments.

8. Salman Agha (All-Rounder)

Salman Agha offers a balanced combination of solid batting and off-spin bowling. His versatility allows Pakistan to maintain flexibility in team composition. Salman’s ability to play crucial innings in the lower-middle order and bowl economical overs makes him a key asset. His performance in the Ch?ampions Trophy could provide the team with vital breakthroughs.

9. Kamran Ghulam (Middle-Order Batter)

Kamran Ghulam is a dependable batter who brings stability to the lower middle order. His ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when needed adds depth to the lineup. Kamran’s consistent domestic performances make him a pla??yer to watch. He could play a pivotal role in building partnerships and finishing games.

10. Mohammad Hasnain (Fast Bowler)

Mohammad Hasnain’s ??raw pace and ability to extract bounce m??ake him a threat on any surface. His knack for taking early wickets will be crucial in Pakistan’s bowling attack. Hasnain’s recent improvements in control and variations add to his effectiveness. He will play a key role in unsettling opposition batters with his fiery spells.

11. Sufiyan Muqeem (Left-Arm Wrist Spinner)

Sufiyan Muqeem is a young and talented left-arm wrist spinner who has impressed with his accuracy. His ab??ility to contain r??uns and pick up wickets in the middle overs will be vital on spin-friendly tracks. Muqeem’s variation and control make him a valuable addition to the squad. His performance in the Champions Trophy could establish him as a rising star.

12. Haris Rauf (Fast Bowler)

Haris Rauf? is Pakistan’s go-to bowler for pace and aggression. His ability to bowl at high speeds and deliver accurate yorkers makes him lethal at the death. Rauf’s knack for picking up crucial wickets under pressure has been a hallmark of his career. His role in leading the pace attack alongside Shaheen Afridi will be pivotal.

13. Usama Mir (Leg-Spinner)

Usama Mir is an attacking leg-spinner who brings a wicket-taking option to the middle overs. His ability to deceive batters with flight and sharp turn? makes him a key player. Usama’s rece??nt performances have showcased his match-winning potential in white-ball cricket. He will play a crucial role in breaking partnerships during the Champions Trophy.

14. Naseem Shah (Fast Bowler)

Naseem Shah’s lethal pace and swing make him a formidabl?e bowler with the new ball. His ability to bowl consistent lines and lengths adds ??control to Pakistan’s attack. Naseem has emerged as a dependable bowler in ICC events and pressure situations. His partnership with Shaheen Afridi will be crucial in dismantling opposition top orders.

15. Shaheen Afridi (Fast Bowler)

Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s spearhead, is known for his ability to strike early with the new b?all??. His deadly inswingers and pinpoint yorkers make him a match-winner in ODIs. Shaheen’s performances in ICC tournaments have consistently been top-notch. As a senior bowler, his role will be instrumental in leading the pace attack.

Also READ: Champions Troph??y 2025: Pakistan legend appointed as mentor for the Afghanistan tea?m

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In an extraordinary display of spin bowling, Pakistan‘s left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem claimed a stunning five-wicket haul in the second T20I against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. His remarkable performance, not only sealed a d??ominant 10-wicket victory for Pakistan but also etched his name into the record books with the best bowling figures in T20I history for Pakistan.

Here are the top 5 best bowling figures for Pakistan in a T20 international:

5. Umar Gul (4/8) �?2009 vs Australia

Gul, Pakistan’s veteran fast bowler, made his mark on the list with a remarkable spell against Australia in May 2009 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS). He took 4 wickets for just 8 runs, helping Pakistan to a 7-wicket victory. Gul’s exceptional bowling performance in the match alongside with Shahid Afridi, earned him the Player of the Match award.

4. Imad Wasim (5/14) �?2016 vs West Indies

Left-arm off-spinner Wasim joined this prestigious list in September 2016 during a match against the West Indies at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Wasim’s remarkable 5-wicket haul, conceding only 14 runs, was instrumental in Pakistan’s 9-wicket victory. For his outstanding performance, Wasim was named Player of the Match.

Also READ: Pak?ist?an announces T20I, ODI and Test squads for South Africa tour; no place for Shaheen Afridi in the longest format

3. Umar Gul (5/6) �?2013 vs South Africa

Gul made his second entry on the list in the 2013 Pakistan tour of South Africa. In the second T20I at SuperSport Park, he bowled a stunning 2.2-over spell, picking up 5 wickets for just 6 runs. His performance played a key role in Pakistan’s dominant 95-run win, further cementing his reputation as one of Pakistan’s finest T20 bowlers.

2. Umar Gul (5/6) �?2009 vs New Zealand (ICC T20 World Cup)

Gul made another spectacular contribution in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 in June. Against New Zealand at The Oval, Gul took 5 wickets for just 6 runs in his 3-over spell. His exceptional performance was crucial to Pakistan’s 6-wicket victory, and he was named Pla??yer of the Match for his remarkable bowling.

1. Sufiyan Muqeem (5/3) �?2024 vs Zimbabwe

The most recent addition to this illustrious list is Muqeem, whose 5 wickets for just 3 runs is now the best-ever T20I bowling performance for Pakistan. His economy rate of 1.12 and his ability to dismantle the Zimbabwean batting line-up was a key factor in Pakistan’s dominant win. Muqeem’s extraordinary effort on December 3, 2024, earned him the Player of the Match award and has already made his name synonymous with T20I e?xcellence in Pakistan cricket.

Also READ: PAK vs ZIM: Sufiyan Muqeem’s record-breaking spell propels Pakistan to dominance in 2nd T20?I

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Sufiyan Muqeem has emerged as a remarkable talent in the world of cricket, particularly known for his exceptional performance as a left-arm wrist spinner. His recent achievement of registering the best bowling figures for Pakistan in T20Is has catapulted him into th??e spotlight, marking him as a player to watch in the com?ing years.

Early life of Sufiyan Muqeem

Born on November 15, 1999, in Peshawar, Pakistan, Muqeem has quickly made a name for himself in international cricket. Known for his unique bowling style, Muqeem is a left-arm wrist spinner, a rarity in modern cricket. This style not only adds variety to his team’s bowling attack but also poses significant challenges for batters who are less accustomed to facing wrist spinners.

Muqeem’s journey began in the domestic circuit, where he played for teams like Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Dolphins in domestic competitions. His performances and different style of bowling at the domestic ??level laid the groundwork for his selection into the national t?eam.

Memorable debut for Muqeen

Muqeem made his T20I debut for Pakistan against Hong Kong during the 2023 Asian Games on October 3, 2023, where he showcased his potential by taking 2 wickets for 11 runs in a four-over spell. This performance marked the ??beginning of his international career, highlighting his skills as a left-arm wrist spinner in a tournament that provided an opportunity for emerging players to shine on a significant stage.

A PSL find

Muqeem’s stint with Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a crucial part of his early career, providing him with valuable experience in high-pressure matches. During his time in the PSL, he played a total of 5 matches, where he managed to take 4 wickets at an average of 28.25. His best bowling figures in a single match were 3 for 37, showcasing his potential as a wicket-taking bowler.

Also READ: PAK vs ZIM: Sufiyan Muqeem’s record-breaking spell propels Pakistan to dominance in 2nd T20I

Record-breaking performance by Muqeem

On December 3, 2024, during a T20I match against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Muqeem delivered a stunning performance that would etch his name into cricket history. He achieved figures of 5 wickets for just 3 runs in 2.4 overs, becoming the first Pakistani bowler to record such figures in T20Is. This performance not only helped Pakistan secure a ten-wicket victory but also showcased Muqeem’s potential as a future star for the national team.

His five-wicket haul surpassed the previous record held by Umar Gul, who had figures of 5/6. This remarkable feat has positioned Muqeem as one of the leading bowlers in T20 cricket, with a total of 14 wickets from just 7 T20I matches at a??n impressive average of? 8.14.

Despite his relatively short career thus far, Muqeem has already made significant contributions to his team. In addition to his record-breaking performance against Zimbabwe, he was also instrumental during the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup earlier this year, where he took six wickets across four matches. Muqeem’s bowling style and ability to take crucial wickets have made him an asset to the Pakistan team. As he continues to develop and gain experience on the international stage, there is considerable excitement about what he can achieve in the future.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Unde?rstanding the hybrid model and its implications on India-Pakistan rivalry

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Wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem etched his name in Pakistan’s cricketing history with a phenomenal five-wicket haul in the second T20I of the series against Zimbabwe.

Sufiyan Muqeem sets a new T20I record for Pakistan

Muqeem’s figures of 3.4-0-4-5 set a new record for the best bowling performance by a Pakistani in T20 internationals, surpassing Umar Gul‘s iconic 3-0-6-5 against New Zealand in 2009 at The Oval.

Zimbabwe, who elected to bat first after winning the toss, endured a catastrophic batting collapse, being bundled out for their lowest T20I total of 57 in just 12.4 overs. Muqeem, weaving his magic with a deadly combination of googlies and sharp turn, was the architect of Zimbabwe’s demise.

Muqeem’s record-breaking spell

• 8.4 Over: Sufiyan trapped Ryan Burl lbw with a beautifully flighted googly. The batter misjudged the turn, leaving the hosts in tatters at 40-5.
• 8.5 Over: Muqeem struck again on the very next delivery, clean bowling Tashinga Musekiwa with another unplayable googly to be on a hat-trick. Zimbabwe’s hopes dwindled further.
• 10.4 Over: Wesley Masakadza became Muqeem’s third victim, nicking a sharply turning delivery to slip where Salman Agha took a neat catch.
• 10.6 Over: A skidding delivery on middle and leg bowled Richard Ngarava, reducing Zimbabwe to 50-8.
• 12.4 Over: Muqeem sealed the innings in style, dismissing Clive Madande with a top-edge catch to Salman Ali Agha at slip, completing his maiden five-wicket haul.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025 – Understanding the hybrid model and its implications on India-Pakistan rivalry

Match Summary

Zimbabwe’s paltry total of 57 was a testament to Pakistan’s clinical bowling attack, led by the young Muqeem. His remarkable spell was backed by disciplined performances from the other bowlers, with none allowing Zimbabwe’s batters any breathing room.

Chasing 58 for victory, Pakis??tan reached the finish line in just 5.3 ov??ers with all 10 wickets remaining.

An easy win for Pakistan: //t.co/8NM3EcrUWE#cricket #ZIMvPAK #T20I pic.twitter.com/3GV0ZgHn5a

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 3, 2024

Pakistan now holds an unassailable lead in the series and will look to wrap it up with a clean sweep in the final match. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will need to dig deep to salvage some pride after back-to-back bat??ting debacles.

Also WATCH: Shardul Thakur’s remarkable comeback in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after IPL 2025 snub

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Pakistan kicked off their T20I series against Zimbabwe with a resounding 57-run victory in Bulawayo. Spearheaded by the exceptional spells of Haris Rauf and Sufiyan Muqeem, the visitors bowled out ??Zimbabwe for just 108 runs, sec?uring a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Muqeem, with his career-best figures of 3/20, stood out, while Rauf’s precision ensured timely breakthroughs.

A balanced start for Pakistan after winning the toss

Pakistan opted to bat first with the intent of setting a formidable target. However, the innings got off to a shaky start as opener Omair Yousuf fell early, managing 16 off 13 deliveries before being undone by a sharp delivery from Richard Ngarava. Despite the early setback, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan broug??ht stability to the innings with a 39-run partnership for the second wicket. Ayub?? showcased glimpses of his flair with a few elegant strokes but fell for 21, mistiming a pull shot that landed safely in the hands of the long-off fielder, leaving Pakistan in a rebuilding phase.

Tayyab Tahir’s game-changing innings

Tayyab Tahir emerged as the star of Pakistan’s batting effort with a composed yet aggressive knock of 39* off 25 balls. Walking in at a precarious moment, Tahir counterattacked with flair, blending timing and power. His ability? to find gaps and clear the fielders underlined his batting prowess.

Tahir’s partnership with Irfan Khan was pivotal in turning the innings around. The duo added 65 runs for the fifth wicket, with Tahir anchoring the stand while maintaining a brisk scoring rate. His shot selection, particularly his ability to dispatch anything loose, proved crucial in Pakistan reaching a competitive total. Irf??an Khan played a perfect sup??porting role alongside Tahir, scoring a quickfire 27 off just 15 balls. His aggressive stroke play not only complemented Tahir but also ensured Pakistan finished the innings on a strong note. Irfan’s contribution, though overshadowed by Tahir, played a vital role in the final surge of runs.

Also READ: ZIM vs PAK 2024: Pa?kistan’s best playing XI for the T20I series against Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s bright start fades quickly: Sufiyan Muqeem and Haris Rauf shine

Zimbabwe began their chase with promise, despite losing Brian Bennett early. A solid 59-run partnership between Tadiwanashe Marumani and Sikandar Raza kept the hosts in contention. Marumani, in particular, looked comfortable against the pacers and was instrumental in steadying the innings. However, a poor call for a second run led to Marumani’s run-out, opening the floodgates for a Zimbabwean collapse. Following his departure, Zimbabwe lost wickets in a flurry, with no batter able to withstand Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.

Muqeem’s left-arm spin was a revelation on the slow surface. His variations, particularly the googly, left Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order clueless. Rauf, with his pace and accuracy, continued to strike at crucial junctures, dismissing key batters like Ryan Burl cheaply Zimbabwe captain Raza stood tall amidst the ruins, scoring a valiant 39 off 28 balls. However, his dismissal – an ill-timed cut shot caught brilliantly at backward point – sealed Zimbabwe’s fate.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Sufiyan Muqeem delivered a fantastic bowling performance while defending a total of 165 runs. 🔥
Career-best T20 bowling figure for him. (4-0-20-3)#PakistanCricket #PAKvsZIM pic.twitter.com/Y0b9VRKnXq

— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) December 1, 2024

SUFYAN MUQEEM WARRA CHINAMAN HE IS….!!!

– Incredible bowling from Chinaman Sufyan Muqeem. He completed his 4 overs spell on 3/20".

Well Done Sufyan. 🇵🇰❤️‍�?pic.twitter.com/I4MfYEqk1J

— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) December 1, 2024

Really enjoying watching Sufiyan Muqeem bowl, early da??ys but great control on a really tough skill to get good at. Rare to see someone so inexperienced have decent control bowling left arm wrist spin. Fun bowler??!

— Prashanth S (@ps_it_is) December 1, 2024

Fine performance by Pakistan, espe?cially by relatively new faces in the format Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Usman Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.

With few more entries, Pakistan can develop these players into top T20 side.#PAKvZIM pic.twitter.com/t2JZdrJNAM

— Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb) December 1, 2024

Pak won by 57 runs against Zimbabwe

What a win..!

Brilliant bowling by Sufiyan muqeem and Abrar ahmed..❤️ pic.twitter.com/eDB5gLoyql

— M Saim (@MSaim494015) December 1, 2024

39* off 25 for Tayyab Tahir. Just another day where he proves why he is one of the best white ball players in Pakistan. We have wasted so many years of his career🙄 #PAKvZIM #PakistanCricket

— Haroon (@hazharoon) December 1, 2024

Tayyab Tahir may not be a very classy batter but guy def knows how to find gaps and when to play big shots #PAKvsZIM

— Ahsaan Elahi (@Callme_ahsaan) December 1, 2024

Player of the match goes to "Tayyab Tahir" for his Incredible & Crucial 39 runs in the end for Pakistan. 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/FjNvRQGhww

— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) December 1, 2024

Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 57 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.#ZIMvPAK #VisitZimbabwe 📝 //t.co/eYaNe7a8zu pic.twitter.com/4tFtdinkeP

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 1, 2024

A crucial contribution of 35 not out off 25 deliveries – Tayyab Tahir is the player of the match today 🌟#ZIMvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/qCTVLnTfCK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 1, 2024

Also READ: ZIM vs PAK 2024: Zimbabwe’s best playing XI for the T20I se?ries agains??t Pakistan

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In a thrilling encounter during the Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, a heated altercation unfolded between Pakistan A spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and India A opener Abhishek Sharma. The incident took place on Saturday (October 19) at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, adding an?? intense chapter to the ongoing rivalry between the two cricketing nations.

The altercation unfolds between Sufiyan Muqeem and Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek, who was in excellent form, scored 35 runs off 22 balls, helping India A to a strong start. However, his innings came to an abrupt end when he attempted an aggressive shot off Muqeem’s bowling. After mistiming a delivery, he offered a leading edge that was caught by Qasim Akram, dismissing Abhishek just after the powerplay with India at 68 for 1.

Following the wicket, Muqeem made a ‘silence gesture’ towards Abhishek, which did not sit well with the Indian opener. Abhishek responded by charging towards Muqeem in anger, leading to a tense exchange on the field. Umpires Chamara de Zoysa and Rahul Asher had to intervene to diffuse the situation and restore calm.

Here’s the video:

Just India Pakistan things 😁 pic.twitter.com/5xMDVNI8Po

— Kumar Sourav (@AdamDhoni1) October 20, 2024

Also READ: India A edge out Pakistan A in a thr?illing contest at Emerging Team?s Asia Cup 2024

India moves on to register a win

The confrontation quickly became a talking point among fans. While some praised Abhishek’s fiery response as a sign of passion and determination, others cautioned against letting emotions overshadow sportsmanship. The incident highlighted the competitive spirit that often characterizes matches between India and Pakistan.

Despite the altercation, India A managed to post a competitive total of 183/8, with captain Tilak Varma contributing signi?ficantly with 44 runs off 35 balls.

In reply, the Indian bowlers defended the given total and restricted Pakistan A to 176/7. Right-arm pacer Anshul Kamboj was the pick of the bowlers for India ??A with 3 wickets for 33 runs. He was adju??dged the Player of the Match as well.

Also READ: Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 Schedule – Date, Squads, Match Time, Broadcast & Live Streaming details

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