It will be India and Australia in the final and India will win by one run: Michael Clarke
Both India and Australia have qualified for the semi-finals though it is not clear who they will be facing.
Michael Clarke, the former Australia captain has predicted India to emerge victorious in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Clarke believes that Australia and India would be clashing against each other in the final and the latter would go on to win by the narrowest of margins of one run.
To note, the last time the two high-profile teams battled in a 50-over ICC tournament was the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where Australia shattered Indian hearts with a commanding win. However, Clarke firmly believes that this time, the Men in Blue will turn the tables.
“I think Australia will be in the final (Champions Trophy) and will be playing against India. I want Australia to win, but I actually think India is going to win the Champions Trophy. They are the best and No.1 ODI team in the world at the moment. I think it will be India and Australia in the final, and India will win by one run,” Clarke said to RevSportz.
The 43-year-old focused more on India’s strengths and positives, specifically their spinners, who he feels will shine in Dubai’s conditions. Clarke also praised Rohit Sharma highly, predicting that he might be the tournament’s leading run-getter if India win. The Indian captain recently regained form, scoring a quick-fire century in Cuttack against England just ahead of the Champions Trophy, and Clarke is sure enough that he will play a crucial role.
“He (Rohit Sharma) is back in form, no doubt about it. The century he made in Cuttack before CT 2025—he’s hitting the ball so well. He has an important role, especially in those conditions. He’s got to play with that aggressive intent and maximize the powerplay. He is going to take risks, but I just think he is that good a player. I wouldn’t be surprised if India were to win the Champions Trophy and Rohit Sharma is the leading run-scorer,” Clarke added.
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