The 2025 Champions Trophy is around the corner, with only 16 days left for the mini ODI World Cup to begin. Meanwhile, former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee gave an interview to the ICC, where he predicted the highest scorer for the upcoming tournament.

Tim Southee Backs Williamson and Head to be the Top Run-Getter

Ignoring superstars like Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, and Rohit Sharma, Southee picked Kane Williamson and Travis Head. Speaking about his countryman Williamson, Southee said that he adapts to any conditions, while the former Kiwi pacer believes that Pakistan’s pitches will suit Travis Head.

“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 phenomenal ODI record make him a strong candidate. If New Zealand are to go deep into the tournament, he’ll have to score a lot of runs.” Tim Southee told ICC.

“Maybe Travis Head as well. He’s a dangerous player, and he was a standout in the last ODI World Cup. I think he’ll enjoy the wickets in Pakistan, and Australia historically perform well in world events, so I expect them to be strong contenders.” he added.

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Kohli and Babar under pressure for strong show in Champions Trophy 2025

On the other hand, fans always have high expectations from players like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. Speaking of Kohli, he has been struggling with poor form, and his recent performances in Test cricket haven’t been remarkable.

Now, he plays only ODIs and Tests and is eyeing the 2027 World Cup. A stellar performance in the Champions Trophy would provide a major boost to the longevity of his international career, as senior players often face the risk of being dropped due to age and form concerns.

Babar Azam, too, hasn’t been at his best for some time, despite holding the No.1 ODI batsman ranking. With the 2025 Champions Trophy taking place at home, he will have the chance to thrive in familiar settings, and there will be high expectations for him to deliver strong performances.