The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy takes place over the next three weeks, with hosts Pakistan hoping to successfully defend the trophy they lifted at The Oval eight years ago.
It is an eight-nation competition with games in Dubai as well as Pakistan, and India are the favourites.
- SOUTH AFRICA TO WIN ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY
- BEN DUCKETT TOP ENGLAND BATTER
- NANGEYALIA KHAROTI TOP AFGHANISTAN BOWLER
South Africa Ready For Show of Strength
Eight nations, two groups, the top two from each into the semi-finals to produce a final to be played in Lahore - or Dubai, if India make it that far.
India's refusal to play in Pakistan means their matches will be played in the Gulf, but whether games are at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore or the Dubai International Stadium, expect plenty of drama and plenty of contenders for the title.
Indeed, you could argue a case for seven of the eight, with surely Bangladesh the only team who it is easy enough to draw a red line through.
Of those big-hitters, South Africa can expect to be handed the 'choker' tag for the umpteenth time, the Proteas having played in 23 white-ball tournaments since winning the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998 and only gone past the semis once, winning none.
But a batting order featuring Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and explosive hitters like Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller looks strong, and they boast a really well-balanced bowling attack headed by super-consistent quick Kagiso Rabada and spin controller Keshav Maharaj.
In a group featuring out-of-form England and Australia they have to be confident of blasting their way into the semis and finally ending 27 years of limited overs pain.
SOUTH AFRICA TO WIN ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY
Duckett To Lead From The Front for England
Ben Duckett has been passed fit for England and in a misfiring team that is fabulous news for Jos Buttler's men.
England look like a team terrified of spinners and they are going to get an onslaught of the slow stuff in the sub-continent.
Duckett, the king of the sweeps, dealt with it really well in India recently, top-scoring for England with 131 runs across three matches.
The obvious threats in top England run-scorer betting are Joe Root and Buttler ,but neither convinced in India, with the skipper having enough on his plate leading the team.
Left-handed opener Duckett can lead from the front and head England's batting numbers.
BEN DUCKETT TOP ENGLAND BATTER
Kharoti To Star In Afghan Spin Battery
One nation you wouldn't rule out of reaching the semi-finals are Afghanistan, who have won four straight ODI series, one against South Africa.
They beat England and Pakistan at the 2023 World Cup and boast a wealth of spin options.
Leg-spinner Rashid Khan, the No.1 ranked bowler in 50-over international cricket, will be their go-to wicket-taker, but keep an eye on Nangeyalia Kharoti, a 20-year-old slow left-armer of enormous promise.
He has taken 11 wickets in his first seven ODIs including 4-26 in Sharjah last year and looks a huge price to pick up enough scalps to claim his nation's top bowler honours.
NANGEYALIA KHAROTI TOP AFGHANISTAN BOWLER
