New Delhi: Former New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee overlooked batting giants Virat Kohli and world No. 1 ODI batter Babar Azam when asked to predict the leading run-scorer for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament’s 10th edition, which began in 1998, will kick off on February 19 in Karachi with defending champions Pakistan facing New Zealand, and the final is scheduled for March 9. Eight teams will compete for the coveted title, with matches held across three venues in Pakistan and one in Dubai.
Kohli was the top run-scorer in the ODI World Cup 2023, amassing 765 runs in 11 matches for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team. However, Tim Southee has overlooked the Indian star, naming Kane Williamson and Travis Head as his predictions for the leading run-scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite Kohli’s stellar World Cup performance, Southee has placed his bets elsewhere for the upcoming tournament.
In a video shared by the ICC on Instagram, Tim Southee, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, shared his thoughts on the leading run-scorer for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said, “I think the wickets in Pakistan will be pretty good. I’d like to say Kane Williamson will be up there. His ability to adapt to different conditions, his experience, and his success across various conditions stand out. He’s got a phenomenal one-day record, so if New Zealand are to go deep into the competition, he’ll need to score a lot of runs.”
Southee also mentioned, “And maybe Travis Head from Australia as well. I think he’s a dangerous player. He was a standout in the last edition of the One Day World Cup. I think he’ll enjoy the wickets in Pakistan, and historically, Australia has been very strong in world events, so I’m sure they’ll be there near the end as well.”
Head made a mark in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, scoring a century for Australia against India on November 19, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The left-handed batter is set to open the batting for the Pat Cummins-led Australian side in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
About The Author
