Rohit-Gill To Fakhar-Babar: Evaluating The Openers Of All Champions Trophy 2025 Teams

Rohit Sharma-Shubman Gill & Fakhar Zaman-Babar Azam [Source: @BCCI, @uroojjawed12/x.com]

Opening pairs set the tone for any team in One Day Internationals and they often define the outcome of an innings. A strong and consistent pair at the top can lay a solid foundation while an attacking duo can provide the momentum needed for massive totals.

As the Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on the openers of each team who will play an important role in their side’s success.

In this article, we break down the opening combinations of all teams, analyzing their consistency, scoring rates and overall impact. Which teams have the most reliable pairs, and which ones might struggle under pressure? Let’s dive into the numbers and see who stands out.

India – Rohit Sharma & Shubman Gill

Rohit Sharma & Shubman Gill Opening Stats in ODIs

Consistency: 9/10

Having a solid opening pair is crucial, and India is lucky to have two of the most dependable batters at the top. Rohit Sharma has been India's rock for over a decade, churning out big scores consistently. 

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has quickly become a reliable presence, averaging over 60 in ODIs, which is no small feat. Their ability to build partnerships and keep the scoreboard ticking makes them one of the most consistent opening duos heading into the Champions Trophy 2025.

Scoring Rate: 9/10

With Rohit Sharma’s ability to shift gears and Gill’s aggressive yet controlled approach, India’s opening pair is one of the fastest-scoring in ODIs. Rohit’s strike rate of 96.28 is excellent for a player who builds innings, while Gill’s impressive 101.84 shows his ability to take on bowlers early. Whether it’s setting a target or chasing, these two ensure India never falls behind the required rate.

Overall Evaluation: 9/10

Pakistan – Fakhar Zaman & Babar Azam

Fakhar Zaman & Babar Azam Opening Stats in ODIs

Consistency: 6.5/10

Pakistan’s opening combination has been a mixed bag. Fakhar Zaman has been the team’s most reliable opener, scoring consistently over the years with 11 centuries and an average of 46.50. 

However, Babar Azam, who has recently taken up opening, has struggled in the opener’s role, averaging just 17.60 in his five innings at the top. If Babar continues to open, it could take some time before he finds his rhythm, which could prove costly in a tournament like this.

Scoring Rate: 6.5/10

Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive approach at the top makes him a dangerous batter in the powerplay. His strike rate of 94.23 ensures Pakistan gets quick starts which is crucial in modern-day ODIs.

However, Babar’s strike rate of 78.57 as an opener raises concerns, as he may take time to settle, potentially putting pressure on the middle order. If Fakhar fires, Pakistan can dominate early but if both openers struggle, the team might end up on the back foot.

Overall Evaluation: 6.5/10

Bangladesh – Tanzid Hasan Tamim & Soumya Sarkar

Tanzid Hasan & Soumya Sarkar Opening Stats in ODIs

Consistency: 5/10

Bangladesh’s opening pair has struggled with consistency in ODIs. While Soumya Sarkar has shown glimpses of brilliance with an average of 36.02 and 10 fifties, Tanzid Hasan’s numbers are worrying, averaging just 20.89. With no centuries between them as openers, this duo will need to step up and provide Bangladesh with solid starts in the Champions Trophy.

Scoring Rate: 8/10

Despite their inconsistency, both openers possess an aggressive approach, reflected in their healthy strike rates. Tanzid Hasan strikes at 99.00, while Soumya Sarkar is close behind at 98.39. This shows that when they get going, they can give Bangladesh quick starts but sustaining it over long innings remains a challenge.

Overall Evaluation: 6.5/10

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Australia – Travis Head & Matthew Short

Travis Head & Matthew Short Opening Stats

Consistency: 8/10

Travis Head has been a rock-solid presence at the top for Australia in ODIs, averaging 51.85 with six centuries to his name. His ability to score runs consistently, even in high-pressure games, makes him one of the most dependable openers in world cricket. 

However, Matthew Short remains an unproven commodity in ODIs, having played primarily in domestic and T20 leagues. His lack of international experience means Australia will be relying heavily on Head to provide stability at the top.

Scoring Rate: 9/10

Australia’s opening duo brings an aggressive approach, particularly with Travis Head’s blistering strike rate of 115.83. His ability to take on bowlers from the start makes him a dangerous batter, capable of changing the momentum of a game within a few overs. 

Matthew Short, despite limited exposure, has shown his intent in T20 cricket, striking at 110 in his only ODI as an opener. If he can translate that aggression, Australia will have a fearless opening combination.

Overall Evaluation: 8/10

Afghanistan – Rahmanullah Gurbaz & Ibrahim Zadran

Rahmanullah Gurbaz & Ibrahim Zadran Opening Stats in ODIs

Consistency: 8/10

Afghanistan has one of the most stable opening pairs heading into the Champions Trophy 2025. Ibrahim Zadran has been particularly impressive, averaging nearly 50 in ODIs, making him one of the most reliable top-order batters for Afghanistan. 

On the other hand, Rahmanullah Gurbaz brings an attacking approach and has already racked up eight centuries, showing his ability to convert starts into big scores. If these two continue their good form, Afghanistan will have a strong foundation at the top.

Scoring Rate: 7.5/10

Gurbaz is the more aggressive of the two, striking at 88.90, making him a dangerous PowerPlay batter. Zadran, though more composed, has a modest strike rate of 81.08, which may sometimes slow down momentum in run chases. 

The balance between aggression and stability works in Afghanistan’s favour but they might need to accelerate more in big run chases.

Overall Evaluation: 8/10

South Africa – Temba Bavuma & Ryan Rickelton

Temba Bavuma & Ryan Rickelton Opening Stats in ODIs

Consistency: 7/10

Temba Bavuma has been a steady presence at the top of the order for South Africa, averaging 48.33 with four centuries. His ability to anchor the innings makes him a reliable option. 

However, Ryan Rickelton is still finding his feet in international cricket, with only five matches as an opener. While his numbers and current form show promise, his lack of experience at the highest level could be a concern in a high-pressure tournament like the Champions Trophy.

Scoring Rate: 7/10

Bavuma’s strike rate of 93.93 is quite impressive for an anchor, showing he can rotate strike effectively while keeping the scoreboard moving. Rickelton, too, has a solid strike rate of 89.69, meaning he has the intent to score at a good pace. However, neither of them is a typical explosive power-hitter, which could put pressure on the middle order to accelerate in big chases.

Overall Evaluation: 7/10

England – Phil Salt & Ben Duckett

Phil Salt & Ben Duckett Opening Stats in ODIs

Consistency: 6.5/10

Phil Salt has been England’s go-to opener in white-ball cricket for a while but his average of 34.85 suggests he hasn’t converted starts into big scores consistently. 

On the other hand, Ben Duckett has shown more reliability, averaging 54.50 but he has only played eight innings as an opener. Their partnership lacks long-term experience together which could be a challenge in high-pressure situations.

Scoring Rate: 9/10

England’s opening duo is built for aggressive starts. With both batters having a strike rate above 113, they ensure that England maintains a high scoring rate in the PowerPlay. Their fearless approach can put opposition bowlers on the back foot early, but the flip side is that they might also be prone to early collapses if they fail to settle.

Overall Evaluation: 7.5/10

New Zealand – Devon Conway & Will Young

Devon Conway & Will Young Opening Stats in ODIs

Consistency: 7.5/10

New Zealand’s opening pair has been stable with both Devon Conway and Will Young averaging above 40, making them reliable contributors at the top. Conway, in particular, has shown the ability to convert starts into big scores, as seen in his four centuries.

Young has been more of a steady accumulator with nine half-centuries but only one hundred, indicating he needs to push on to make more match-winning contributions.

Scoring Rate: 7/10

Both batters have respectable strike rates with Conway at 90.24 and Young at 87.53. While they are not the most explosive openers, they can keep the scoreboard ticking with calculated strokeplay. They provide solid starts but might need to accelerate more in high-scoring games, especially against teams with strong power-hitters at the top.

Overall Evaluation: 7.5/10

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