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The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicks off with defending champions Pakistan facing New Zealand at Karachi's National Stadium. The two teams recently met in the final of a tri-series, with New Zealand emerging victorious, boosting their confidence ahead of the tournament. While New Zealand’s form has been impressive, Pakistan has concerns, as a loss in this opening match could seriously affect their progression chances. Historically, the two teams have played 118 ODIs, with Pakistan winning 61 and New Zealand 53. In the Champions Trophy, New Zealand has a strong record, having won all three previous encounters. This high-stakes clash sets the stage for an exciting start to the tournament.

Shubman Gill's brilliant century, supported by vital contributions from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, led India to a dominant 142-run victory over England in the third ODI, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Gill's 112 off 104 balls anchored India’s total of 356/5, while the bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, dismantled England’s batting, bowling them out for just 214. With this comprehensive win, India capped off a successful preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of India's squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a lingering back injury, with Harshit Rana replacing him in the final 15-man squad. Additionally, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been dropped despite his strong performances in 2024, and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been named as his replacement. The BCCI also named three non-traveling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Shivam Dube, who will be on standby for any injury replacements during the tournament.

India sealed a commanding four-wicket victory over England in the second ODI at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, on February 9, 2025, to clinch the three-match series 2-0 with one game to spare. Rohit Sharma starred with a brilliant 119 off 90 balls, while Shubman Gill contributed a crucial 60 off 52 balls. England set a target of 305 runs, with Joe Root (69) and Ben Duckett (65) leading the way, but India’s bowlers, led by Ravindra Jadeja (3/33), restricted them. The Indian chase was steady, and despite a few wickets falling, they comfortably crossed the target with an over to spare.

India comfortably defeated England by 4 wickets in the first ODI, chasing down a target of 249 in just 39 overs. Shreyas Iyer played a crucial role with a quickfire 59, while Shubman Gill anchored the chase with an composed 87. Ravindra Jadeja was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs, while Mohammed Shami made a successful return to ODIs with a key breakthrough. Despite concerns over Rohit Sharma’s form, India used this match to experiment with combinations ahead of the Champions Trophy, successfully testing their strategy and plans.