Legendary Pakistani batter Mohammad Yousuf has thrown his weight behind New Zealand and India as the most balanced sides for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. But don’t worry, Pakistan fans—he still believes the home advantage could tilt the scales in our favor.
New Zealand and India: The Teams to Beat?
In a recent interview, Yousuf didn’t shy away from praising the Kiwis. “For me, New Zealand looks like the most balanced side,” he said. And let’s be honest—they do.
With three top-notch pacers, reliable spinners, and a batting order that runs deep, the Black Caps seem ready for any challenge the subcontinent pitches might throw at them.
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India, too, earned a nod from Yousuf. “They also have a balanced squad,” he noted. We’ve seen how lethal India can be, especially in high-pressure ICC tournaments. Balanced, experienced, and hungry—India will be a force to reckon with.
Home Turf Advantage for Pakistan
While Yousuf acknowledged the strengths of New Zealand and India, his faith in Pakistan remained unshaken.
“Pakistan has the edge because they are familiar with the conditions,” he pointed out. And he’s not wrong. Playing at home isn’t just about knowing the pitches—it’s about feeling the crowd’s energy, embracing the familiar surroundings, and soaking in the love from fans.
But Yousuf had a word of caution too. “They must play calculated cricket throughout the tournament,” he added. So, no reckless shots, no unnecessary risks—just smart, steady cricket.
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Yousuf’s Game Plan for Pakistan
Mohammad Yousuf didn’t just stop at predictions and praises. He had some solid advice for the Pakistani team. “We need to find the gaps against spinners, rotate the strike, and minimize dot balls,” he suggested.
Sounds simple, but anyone who watched the tri-series final against New Zealand knows how challenging this can be. Their spinners had us on the back foot, and that’s a problem Pakistan needs to fix—fast.
Pitch conditions will play a huge role in determining match outcomes. Yousuf believes that if the pitch is double-paced, a score of 300 would be competitive. But if it’s a flat track? “Teams should aim for scores between 350 and 400,” he predicted. High-scoring thrillers, anyone?
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