ICC Champions Trophy 2013 – 3rd Match, Group A: England v Australia, 8 June

Defending champions seek several solutions

Australia team is not looking in good shape, they are struggling a lot and today's match is going to be first of their long season as they have to play Ashes Series, right after the Champions Trophy.

On the other hand, England team which seems to be alright for most of the cricketing fans and experts does have quite a few problems with them. Look at how they have played against the NZ in the ODI series. They have lost first two ODIs of the series and wasn't looking like very comfortable in the third.

Aussie's had a bad day in a warm-up match against India but their are quality of players in their side and we are expecting a good match today.  Hoping that Aussies batsmen and bowlers will fire today, our experts are supporting Australia in this match.

 

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 - 3rd Match, Group A: England v Australia, 8 June

  • Australia (53% Votes)
  • England (47% Votes)

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 – 2nd Match, Group B: Pakistan v West Indies, 7 June

Windies seek to revive Oval memories

Pakistan team have better bowling attack and some very good experience batsmen in their side and that is the reason they are favorite in today's game against West Indies. However, West Indians have very good records in the Champions Trophy and still their are few players those are still the part of West Indian's side.

According to our experts, both sides are highly unpredictable and toss will play a vital role. So our experts has decided to post their views during  the match as in comments.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 - 2nd Match, Group B: Pakistan v West Indies, 7 June

  • West Indies (52% Votes)
  • Pakistan (48% Votes)

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 – 1st Match, Group B: India v South Africa, 6 June

Big names missing in big game

First match of the tournament, every one is exited about the game and the kind of format tournament has, not a single team can take rest at any stage of the tournament. India team have had few bad weeks in the recent times and South Africa team may be missing some fire power in the form of G.Smith and Styen.

With new rules where only four players are allowed outside the 30 yards even after the power play is something which is going to be troublesome of any captain. Imagine all the rules are in favor of  batsmen. 20 overs of power play and then only four players are allowed in non-power play. Seems like ICC have decided that every team should have score 300+ at least in every game.

Anyhow, looking into the strength of both the teams. Indians batsmen have had the history of struggling against fast bowling and this is going to play bigger factor if the pitch would have swinging factor. On the other hand, South African batting line-up is rock solid. Both teams does have good quality pacers but SA bowler's pace make them favorite.

All in all, our expert believe that South Africa should win this game.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 - 1st Match, Group B: India v South Africa, 6 June

  • South Africa (42% Votes)
  • India (58% Votes)

ICC Champions Trophy 2013 – Format and Fixtures

The ICC Champions Trophy 2013 will be contested by 8 teams which have been 'seeded' and divided into two groups:

 
Group A Group B
Australia (1) India (2)
Sri Lanka (4) South Africa (3)
England (6) Pakistan (5)
New Zealand (7) West Indies (8)

Each team will play every other team in its Group. Points will be allocated for each match in accordance with the system described below of these playing conditions, which will apply throughout the competition.

Following the Group stage the top 2 teams from each Group will progress to the semi finals where the winner of Group A will play the runner up of Group B (in the 1st semi-final) and the winner of Group B will play the runner up of Group A (in the 2nd semi-final).

The winners of the semi-finals will contest the Final.

1st match of the last edition of Champions Trophy going to begin at Cardiff on June 6 between India and South Africa. For complete fixtures of the tournament, please click here.