Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Shami and Matt Henry are among the top five bowlers to watch out for in ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to deliver high-octane cricket action, with fast bowlers playing a pivotal role in shaping the tournament. Given the challenging conditions in Pakistan and the UAE, the following pacers are expected to make a significant impact with their breath-taking spells.
Here are the top five fast bowlers to watch out for in CT25.
Mohammed Shami (India)
Matches: 103 ODIs, Wickets: 197, Average: 23.96 Best Figures: 7/57
Mohammed Shami, India’s pace spearhead, is yet to play in a Champions Trophy match. But he will lead India's pace attack in this tournament, especially with Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to injury.
Shami has been India’s go-to pacer in ICC tournaments, consistently delivering impactful performances when it matters the most. His ability to swing the ball both ways, generate seam movement, surprise batters with fiery bouncers, and bowl lethal yorkers in the death overs make him a key figure in CT25.
With an impressive record of 24 wickets in the 2023 ODI World Cup, he is expected to play a crucial role again. Additionally, Shami's experience will be vital for India's relatively new pace attack. It includes Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, both playing their first-ever 50-over ICC tournament.
Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
Matches: 61 ODIs, Wickets: 124, Average: 23.45, Best Figures: 6/35
Shaheen Shah Afridi is poised to be a significant threat in the Champions Trophy, especially on home soil. Known for his fiery pace and ability to strike early with the new ball, Afridi will aim to dominate in front of the Pakistani crowd.
Afridi’s experience in home conditions will provide him with an added advantage over opposition batters. The world no. 4 has consistently performed for Pakistan, particularly in ODIs. His ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver pinpoint yorkers make him a formidable opponent; however, this will be his first Champions Trophy appearance. In the last five One-day internationals, Afridi has picked up 12 wickets, showcasing his skills.
Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)
Matches: 107 ODIs, Wickets: 172, Average: 25.88, Best Figures: 6/43
Mustafizur Rahman, fondly known as "The Fizz," is Bangladesh’s trump card in white-ball cricket. His deceptive cutters, change of pace, and mastery in the death overs make him a key player for Bangladesh in CT25. If the pitches provide some assistance, Mustafizur could prove to be a game-changer in crucial situations.
Bangladesh have included several new players to the squad, and Mustafizur will need to help guide them while also producing memorable performances himself. Having played in the 2017 Champions Trophy in England, Mustafizur will be eager to improve on his previous showing and help his team secure their first-ever ICC title.
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)
Matches: 103 ODIs, Wickets: 162, Average: 27.56, Best Figures: 6/16
Kagiso Rabada is South Africa's pace spearhead and one of the most complete fast bowlers in world cricket. With raw pace, bounce, and pinpoint accuracy, he can trouble even the best batters. His ability to strike during both the powerplay and at the death makes him an invaluable asset for the Proteas in CT25.
As the most experienced bowler among the pacers, he was part of the 2017 Champions Trophy squad but had a disappointing outing, taking only 1 wicket at an average of 116. Since then, he has been in terrific form in ODIs. He will be looking to replicate that success in the upcoming tournament. Read More: Top 5 spinners to watch out for in Champions Trophy 2025
Matt Henry (New Zealand)
Matches: 87 ODIs, Wickets: 155, Average: 25.33, Best Figures: 5/30
Often overshadowed by other Kiwi pacers, Matt Henry is one of New Zealand’s most reliable ODI bowlers. He consistently delivers with the new ball, gets movement off the pitch, and can be a handful in suitable conditions. His experience in ICC tournaments, highlighted by an impressive campaign in the 2019 World Cup, makes him a key player to watch in Pakistan.
With Tim Southee and Trent Boult absent, Henry’s role in the New Zealand side becomes even more critical. His recent form has been outstanding, having taken 10 wickets in his last four matches. Read More: Strongest contenders for title glory in Champions Trophy 2025
Comments