Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri has forecasted that India and Australia could qualify for the final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy to be kicked off in Pakistan on 19 February.
Speaking on ICC Review, Shastri said both the teams have delivered outstanding performances throughout the mega tournaments. “Going through their history, I am of the view that these two teams are sure-shot favorites for qualification into the final match,” he added.
Shastri also highlighted the great quality of players now in both teams and said that there was quality and much depth in the teams of India and Australia, which was going to make them formidable challengers for the title.
The 62-year-old former cricketer highlighted that South Africa and England could be the teams to make it to the semifinals. He pointed out that these teams also have the potential to pose a serious challenge in the tournament.
Interestingly, during the same episode, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting shared a similar prediction. He agreed that India and Australia are likely to face each other in the final. However, Ponting added a cautionary note, stating that Pakistan could prove to be a tough opponent for both India and Australia.
He emphasized that the two leading teams should not underestimate Pakistan, as the team could create significant challenges along the way.
