Clarke feels India will defeat Australia in Champions Trophy final
What's the story
Former Australian cricket team captain, Michael Clarke, has predicted that the Indian men's cricket team will defeat Australia in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The tournament will conclude on March 9.
Clarke was part of the Australian squad that won their Champions Trophy title in 2006 under Ricky Ponting's captaincy by beating West Indies.
Here are further details.
Final forecast
Clarke's prediction for Champions Trophy final
Clarke expects a repeat of the 2023 ODI World Cup final in 2025 Champions Trophy.
But he thinks India will beat six-time ODI World Cup winners Australia.
"My fingers are crossed for Australia, so I am going to say Australia is going to be one of them, and I think they are going to play India in the final. (Repeat of the 2023 ODI World Cup final) that's what I am hoping for," Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
Information
Clarke backs India to win CT 2025
"You know what, I think India is going to beat Australia in the final. Can't believe that just came out of my mouth. I think India is going to win the tournament. I am going with them," said Clarke.
Tournament trail
India's journey in Champions Trophy 2025
In the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, India will kick off their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The team will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in their second Group A match at the same venue on February 23.
They will play their third match on March 2 against New Zealand, also in Dubai.
Aussie obstacles
Australia's path and challenges in Champions Trophy
Australia will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Steve Smith's men will then take on South Africa on February 25 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Afghanistan on February 28 at Gaddafi Stadium.
However, they will miss key players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood due to injury-related issues or personal reasons.
2023 WC final
Australia beat India in 2023 ODI World Cup final
Australia beat home favorites India to clinch a record-extending sixth ICC Cricket World Cup title.
The Men in Yellow successfully chased down 241, with Travis Head slamming a historic century.
Marnus Labuschagne duly assisted him with a composed knock.
Australia finally broke the winning streak of India, who entered the final with 10 successive victories.
Earlier, Australia had qualified for their eighth World Cup final.