Champions ODI Cup, 2025

Match 4: AUS vs ENG

Preview

Match number 4 of the Champions Cup will witness one of the biggest rivalries in the game's history when Australia crosses swords with England at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, February 22.

The two sides have played 160 ODI matches, of which the Kangaroos have won 90. The Three Lions have won 65 matches, with three matches ending in a tie. 

Under the leadership of Jos Buttler, the English team heads into this tournament following a 3-0 defeat in their previous series against India. They are optimistic about turning their fortunes around and aim for a successful campaign, having finished as runners-up in 2004 and 2013.

On the contrary, Australia, led by Steve Smith, will miss their star trio of pacers (Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc). Their exceptional contributor, Marcus Stoinis, has also retired from this format, so watching how this new Aussie side bounces back will be interesting. They also faced a whitewash in their last ODI series against Sri Lanka by a 2-0 margin. Notably, they are the only side alongside India to have won the prestigious silverware twice in 2006 and 2009.

Match Details

Match: AUS vs ENG, 4th Match, Group B, Champions ODI Cup, 2025

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025

Time: 2:30 PM

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Squad News

Australia

The Australian squad is bolstered by experienced players like Steven Smith and Glenn Maxwell, who can anchor the innings or accelerate as needed. The batting lineup is filled with aggressive talent and depth, while the bowling attack, including Adam Zampa and Sean Abbott, will need to step up in the run-heavy conditions of Lahore.  

England

England will look to their captain, Jos Buttler, and seasoned batsman, Joe Root, to provide stability at the top of the order. Their bowling unit, featuring the likes of Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid, will aim to exploit any assistance from the pitch. However, they will face a tough challenge against Australia’s strong batting order.  

Pitch and Weather Report

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is known to be a batters' paradise, which poses a challenge for bowlers in ODI matches. The pitch typically offers minimal assistance to bowlers, making it difficult for pacers to maintain an effective line and length. Both teams' bowlers will find it challenging to contain runs, whereas the batters can try their favourite shots immediately. 

The weather is expected to be sunny with a pleasant temperature of around 21 degrees Celsius, ideal conditions for a cricket match. Teams batting first may aim for high scores, while the chasing side will need to be aggressive yet strategic to secure a win

AUS vs ENG Squads

AUS: Steven Smith (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Matthew Short, Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey

ENG: Jamie Smith (wk), Jos Buttler (c), Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Jamie Overton, Saqib Mahmood, Tom Banton, Gus Atkinson

AUS vs ENG Probable Playing XIs

AUS: Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Ellis, Matthew Short, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa

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

Match Prediction

Given the batting-friendly conditions at Lahore and the squad depths of both sides, this match promises to deliver heavy fireworks for cricket fans. Despite missing some of their past star players, who have secured many victories, Australia has a slight edge due to their experience and all-around capabilities. However, England’s bowling line-up should be feared if they manage to contain runs early on. Considering all these factors, we are backing the Aussies to emerge victorious in this match. 

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