5 Bowlers To Watch In 2025 Champions Trophy

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The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to be the biggest cricketing event of the year, where the top eight ODI teams from around the world will compete against each other. The tournament is scheduled to begin on February 19th in Karachi.

They say batsmen win matches, but it’s bowlers who win tournaments! The 2025 Champions Trophy is set to be the biggest cricket event of the year, where the top eight ODI teams in the world will compete against each other. The tournament kicks off in Karachi on February 19th. While batters will get much of the spotlight, it’s likely to be the teams with the best bowling units that will come out on top. Here, we look at five bowlers who could make a big impact at the 2025 Champions Trophy.

1. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi has been the best wicket-taker in ODI cricket since 2023, picking up 62 wickets in just 29 matches with an average of 22.7. He has a great record against both right-handed and left-handed batters. He’s especially dangerous in the powerplay, where he has an economy rate of just 5, and in the death overs, with 49 wickets in the last 10 overs at an impressive average of 15.4. Shaheen’s in-swinger is his key weapon, and he’s particularly effective in home conditions, where he has taken 31 wickets in just 16 matches.

2. Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav will be a key player for India with the ball. Since 2023, he has taken 55 wickets in 34 innings at an average of 21.76 and an economy rate of 4.51. Kuldeep excels in the middle overs but is even more impressive in the death overs, where he has taken 29 wickets at an average of 18.1. He has a strong record against left-handed batters, with an average of 22.9. His main weapon is the Chinaman delivery, but his googly has been very effective, taking 74 wickets at an average of 13.

3. Matt Henry

Matt Henry has been New Zealand’s best fast bowler, taking 39 wickets in 22 matches at an average of 24.9 since 2023. He has a remarkable career record, with 155 wickets in 85 matches at a strike rate of 29.3, which ranks sixth-best in ODI history. Henry’s ability to bowl at speeds over 145 km/h, combined with his accuracy, makes him a lethal bowler, especially with the new ball. He has a great record in the first 10 overs, with 69 wickets at an average of 22.5 and an economy rate of 4.3. He has been in excellent form in 2025, picking up 14 wickets in five matches.

4. Adam Zampa

With Australia missing key pacers like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, leg-spinner Adam Zampa will play a crucial role in their chances at the 2025 Champions Trophy. Zampa has been Australia’s leading wicket-taker in ODIs since 2023, with 53 wickets in 31 matches. He was outstanding in the 2023 World Cup, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 23 dismissals in 11 matches. Zampa’s key strength is his googly, which has helped him take 51 wickets at an average of 17.4. He is also very effective with his flipper.

5. Adil Rashid

Adil Rashid will be essential for England’s success in the 2025 Champions Trophy. With over 200 wickets in 146 ODI matches, he is one of the top wicket-takers in England’s history. Rashid was the standout bowler in England’s recent 3-0 loss to India, taking seven wickets. He is known for his deceptive pace and turn, with his googly being his main weapon. Rashid has taken 64 wickets with his googly at an average of 16.2 and an economy rate of 4.9.