The highly anticipated Australia vs England game of the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an electrifying match, pitting two of the most powerful cricketing teams against each other in a struggle for dominance. Both teams have put together very strong teams, combining experience with new talent, and this promises to be a thrilling contest for cricket enthusiasts everywhere

• Match: AUS vs. ENG
• Date: February 22, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM Local Time (IST)
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan

Live streaming details:

TV Broadcast Details

Online Streaming Platforms

ALSO READ:AUS vs ENG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | Match 04, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview & Analysis

Australia playing xi

Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

England playing xi

Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

The highly anticipated Australia vs England game of the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an electrifying match, pitting two of the most powerful cricketing teams against each other in a struggle for dominance. Both teams have put together very strong teams, combining experience with new talent, and this promises to be a thrilling contest for cricket enthusiasts everywhere.

Match Details:

• Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM 
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Australia's Probable XI

1. Travis Head: The aggressive left-handed opener will be crucial in providing Australia with a solid start.

2. Matthew Short: A versatile batter with the ability to accelerate the innings when needed.

3. Steve Smith (c): The experienced leader and batting maestro, Smith's role at No. 3 will be pivotal in stabilizing the innings.

4. Josh Inglis: A dynamic batter who can take on the opposition’s bowlers in the middle overs.

5. Marnus Labuschagne: A technically sound batter who brings stability and resilience to the lineup.

6. Alex Carey (wk): A reliable wicketkeeper and middle-order batter capable of playing crucial finishing roles.

7. Glenn Maxwell: The explosive all-rounder known for his match-winning performances with both bat and ball.

8. Aaron Hardie: A rising all-rounder providing depth in batting and an extra pace option.

9. Sean Abbott: A seasoned campaigner with a knack for picking up key wickets.

10. Spencer Johnson: A young and talented fast bowler who can generate express pace.

11. Adam Zampa : The lead spinner in the squad, Zampa's variations will be key in the middle overs.

Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

Key Strengths

• A balanced batting lineup with aggressive stroke players and solid anchors.
• Versatile all-rounders providing flexibility in team combinations.
• A mix of experienced bowlers and emerging pacers to counter England’s strong batting unit.

ALSO READ:ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Group B) AFG vs SA: South Africa crush tournament debutants

England's Probable XI

1. Ben Duckett: A skilled top-order batter capable of handling pace and spin effectively.

2. Phil Salt: A destructive opener who can take the attack to the opposition from the first ball.

3. Jamie Smith (wk): A promising young wicketkeeper-batter looking to make a mark in international cricket.

4. Joe Root: The backbone of England’s batting lineup, Root’s ability to anchor the innings will be vital.

5. Harry Brook: A talented batter known for his ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs.

6. Jos Buttler (c): The explosive England skipper, renowned for his game-changing ability with the bat.

7. Liam Livingstone: A dangerous all-rounder who can clear the ropes with ease and contribute with his spin bowling.

8. Brydon Carse: A fast-bowling all-rounder with a raw pace and ability to deliver in crunch situations.

9. Mark Wood: England’s speedster, capable of unsettling batters with his express pace.

10. Jofra Archer: Returning to international cricket, Archer’s lethal pace and accuracy make him a key asset.

11. Adil Rashid: England’s premier leg-spinner, crucial for taking wickets in the middle overs.

Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

Key Strengths

• A power-packed batting order with a mix of classical and aggressive batters.
• A formidable fast-bowling attack featuring Mark Wood and Jofra Archer.
• Adil Rashid’s wrist spin adds a crucial dimension to their bowling attack.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is the most successful of the most glamorous teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having passionate fans and glamorous players. It was established in 2008 and has had three appearances at the final match of the IPL but never emerged with the cup. The title famine aside, RCB has produced historic matches, such as record-breaking performances with the bat.

• Team Name: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
• Founded: 2008
• City: Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Home Ground: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
• Capacity: 35,000
• Owner: United Spirits
• Team Colors: Red and Gold

IPL 2025 SCHEDULE:

• 22nd March: vs KKR in Kolkata (Saturday, Match 1)
• 28th March: vs CSK in Chennai (Friday, Match 8)
• 2nd April: vs GT in Bengaluru (Wednesday, Match 14)
• 7th April: vs MI in Mumbai (Monday, Match 21)
• 10th April: vs DC in Bengaluru (Thursday, Match 24)
• 13th April: vs RR in Jaipur (Sunday, Match 28)
• 18th April: vs PBKS in Bengaluru (Friday, Match 34)
• 20th April: vs PBKS in Mullanpur (Sunday, Match 37)
• 24th April: vs RR in Bengaluru (Thursday, Match 42)
• 27th April: vs DC in Delhi (Sunday, Match 44)
• 3rd May: vs CSK in Bengaluru (Saturday, Match 52)
• 9th May: vs LSG in Lucknow (Friday, Match 59)
• 13th May: vs SRH in Bengaluru (Tuesday, Match 64)
• 17th May: vs KKR in Bengaluru (Saturday, Match 68)

RCB SCHEDULE IN IPL 2025: 🏆 pic.twitter.com/qUFMmS3o4s

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 16, 2025

ALSO READ:IPL 2025  full schedule date time venues and complete details

Highlights of 2024:

India and England host their final One Day International (ODI) on February 12, 2025 today. The match will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and start at 1:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time. England will get at least one win in the 3-match series as India have clinched first 2 ties and now looking to avoid sweeps by England. 

Match Details:

• Date: 12th February, 2025
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Time: 1:30 PM IST

Live Streaming:

IN INDIA:

TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network

• English Commentary:

• Star Sports 2
• Star Sports 2 HD
• Star Sports 3

• Hindi Commentary:

• Sports 18 1
• Sports 18 1 HD
• Colors Cineplex
• Colors Cineplex HD

• Online Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar (app and website)

In the United States and Canada

• TV Broadcast: Willow TV
• Online Streaming: Willow TV App

In the United Kingdom

• TV Broadcast: Sky Sports Cricket
• Online Streaming: Sky Go App

In Australia

• TV Broadcast: Fox Sports
• Online Streaming: Kayo Sports

ALSO READ:IND vs ENG 3rd ODI, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Highlights: India lead the series after victories in the opening two ODIs. Captain Rohit Sharma plundered 100 runs in the second game and gave the team a confidence boost. Fans are also looking forward to Virat Kohli who is bang on the other end of getting to 14,000 ODI runs. 

India ODI squad:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy.

England ODI squad:

Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Philip Salt, Jamie Smith, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

The 3rd and last ODI between India and England is scheduled to be played at Narendra Modi Stadium. So far, India has seen good performances, and this match will be a decisive one for both the teams. Considering the last few months' performances as well as the team balance, here is India's probable playing XI for the match.

Match Details: India vs England, 3rd ODI

• Match: India vs England, 3rd ODI
• Date: February 12, 2024
• Time: 1:30 PM IST (8:00 AM GMT)
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

This is the final ODI of the series, and both teams will be looking to secure a victory. 

Probable playing xi

•  Rohit Sharma (C)
  The Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, is the one who would lead from the front. Experience and his capability to score big runs are two of his assets.
• Shubman Gill
  Gill has been in good form and gives a solid start at the top. His technique and shot selection make him a reliable opener.
•  Virat Kohli
  Kohli is one of the best batsmen in world cricket. When it comes to partnerships and anchoring the innings, Kohli will be a must-have in the XI.
• Shreyas Iyer
  Iyer can play aggressive cricket and stabilize the middle order. His attacking style will usefully score quick runs.
• KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
  Rahul is India's wicket-keeper, adding a little extra strength to the batting lineup. He is versatile and can adapt to different match situations.
•  Hardik Pandya
  An all-rounder, Pandya balances the team. His finishing of games with his bat and contributing with the ball is a huge advantage to the team.
•  Ravindra Jadeja
  Jadeja is a key player with his all-round skills. His proper bowling, agile fielding, and quick knock games make him crucial for the team.
• Axar Patel
  Axar is another all-rounder who will give depth in batting and bowling too. His spin bowling will help on Indian pitches.
•  Varun Chakravarthy
  Chakravarthy is mystery spinner who will trouble the English batters with his variations.
• Harshit Rana
  Rana is one of the new young pace bowlers who have impressed in domestic cricket. He is expected to bring energy and aggression to the Indian bowling attack.
• Arshdeep Singh
  Arshdeep is India’s left-arm fast bowler who can swing the ball early and bowl well in the death overs. He will play a crucial role in restricting England’s batters.

India’s probable XI for the 3rd ODI vs England: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh.

ALSO READ:No Virat Kohli: RCB Finds New Captain for IPL 2025?

Match Importance
This is an important match since it will decide the winner of the series. England will be looking to bounce back, and India will try to dominate at home. Given the balanced side, India appears strong, but the competitive spirit of England makes the match interesting.

Sunil Narine and Phil Salt set the stage on fire with their explosive batting performance for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 42 of IPL 2024 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, against Punjab Kings.

Narine and Salt’s Explosive Partnership

In a display of aggressive batting, Sunil Narine and Phil Salt propelled KKR to a blistering start after Sam Curran, the Punjab Kings’ captain, chose to field first. Their fearless approach saw KKR racing to 70 runs off just five overs, courtesy of their explosive hitting that left the opposition reeling. They have added 137 runs in 10 overs.

See Also: Mitchell Starc unavailable for KKR vs PBKS today; Here’s why

Highest scores after first 10 overs of an IPL innings
158/4 – SRH vs DC, Delhi, 2024
148/2 – SRH vs MI, Hyderabad, 2024
141/2 – MI vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2024
138/4 – DC vs SRH, Delhi, 2024
137/0 – KKR vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024
135/1 – KKR vs DC, Visakhapatnam, 2024

Highest partnerships for KKR in the IPL (any wicket)
184* – Gautam Gambhir & Chris Lynn vs GL, Rajkot, 2017
158 – Gautam Gambhir & Robin Uthappa vs RPS, Pune, 2017
152* – Gautam Gambhir & Jacques Kallis vs RR, Jaipur, 2011
138 – Sunil Narine & Phil Salt vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024
136 – Manvinder Bisla & Jacques Kallis vs CSK, Chennai, 2012 final
The 138-run partnership between Narine and Salt was the 8th 100-plus opening stand for KKR in the IPL, and the first since 105 between Narine and Lynn against RCB in Bengaluru back in 2017.

Highest run-rates for a 100-plus opening stand in the IPL
20.68 – 131 off 38 – Travis Head & Abhishek Sharma (SRH) vs DC, Delhi, 2024
17.02 – 105 off 37 – Chris Lynn & Sunil Narine (KKR) vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2017
14.86 – 109 off 44 – Brendon McCullum & Dwayne Smith (CSK) vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2015
13.36 – 147 off 66 – Chris Gayle & Virat Kohli (RCB) vs PBKS, Bengaluru, 2016
13.35 – 138 off 62 – Sunil Narine & Phil Salt (KKR) vs PBKS, Kolkata, 2024

Phil Salt’s Dominance Against Harshal Patel

Phil Salt’s onslaught against Punjab Kings’ bowler Harshal Patel was a sight. With relentless aggression, Salt targeted Patel’s deliveries, dispatching them to the boundary with ease. His ability to find gaps and unleash powerful shots showcased his prowess as a destructive opener. Phil Salt reaches the fifty-run mark in 25 deliveries.

Least balls taken to 500 runs in IPL by Foreign batters

260 – Glenn Maxwell
284 – Travis Head
294 – Andre Russell
297 – Phil Salt*
298 – Henrich Klaasen

Narine’s Contribution to the Partnership

Sunil Narine complemented Salt’s ferocity with his brand of power-hitting. Narine’s fearless approach saw him taking charge against Kagiso Rabada, smashing boundaries and sixes to disrupt the opposition’s plans. His contribution added impetus to KKR’s innings, setting the tone for a formidable total.

Most runs in the Powerplay in IPL 2024
259 – Travis Head (SR: 229.20)
216 – Virat Kohli (SR: 155.39)
204 – Sunil Narine (SR: 177.39)
201 – Abhishek Sharma (SR: 233.72)
193 – Phil Salt (SR: 175.45)

Impact on KKR’s Innings

The explosive partnership between Narine and Salt piled pressure on the opposition and injected momentum into KKR’s batting lineup. Their aggressive batting laid a solid foundation for the middle order to capitalize on, putting KKR in a commanding position in the match.

In an exhilarating evening at Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showcased a thrilling display of cricket in the IPL 2024 season, particularly through Phil Salt’s explosive performance. This match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was not just another game; it was a display of strategy, skill, and sheer determination.

Phil Salt’s Dominant Performance

From the get-go, Phil Salt was in formidable form, smashing a rapid 89 off just 47 balls. His innings was peppered with bold shots, including eight fours and two sixes, catapulting KKR towards a daunting chase of 162. His aggressive batting not only entertained but significantly shifted the momentum in KKR’s favor.

See Also: IPL 2024: Finally Starc shines with ball for KKR against LSG

Impact on KKR’s Strategy

Salt’s early dominance allowed KKR to dictate the pace and style of the game. His approach not only put the bowlers under pressure but also allowed his teammates to play more freely, knowing the run rate was well under control.

LSG’s bowlers, particularly Yash Thakur and Krunal Pandya, faced the brunt of Salt’s assault. Despite their efforts to tighten their lines and lengths, Salt’s aggressive intent kept the scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace.

Behind the Stumps: Salt’s Wicketkeeping Skills

Apart from his batting, Salt also excelled behind the stumps. His acrobatic catch to dismiss Marcus Stoinis was a highlight, demonstrating his sharp reflexes and game awareness, which left fans and the co-owner, Shah Rukh Khan, absolutely thrilled.

It was the fourth ball of 12th over and Varun Chakaravarthy bowled a wrong ‘un and Stoinis looked to guide it on the on-side but failed to read it. He got an edge to it, which hit his thigh as the ball popped up in the air and Salt flew in the air to grab a one-handed stunner.

Comparison with Other Performances

Salt’s innings stands out in the IPL 2024 season for its high strike rate and the pressure it put on the opposition. Comparatively, it ranks as one of the most impactful innings under pressure, showcasing his ability to dominate from the start.

Fan and Team Reactions

The crowd at Eden Gardens was vociferous in its support, particularly when Salt reached his fifty off just 26 balls. His performance drew praise not only from fans but also from teammates who were seen applauding from the sidelines.