As the cricketing world gears up for the much-anticipated return of the Champions Trophy 2025, the spotlight turns to the bowlers who could define the tournament with their prowess.
Among these, left-arm pacers hold a special allure due to their unique angle of delivery and the natural swing they bring into play.
Such bowlers who have the potential to achieve the rare and exhilarating feat of taking a hat-trick during this prestigious event.
Here Are 3 3 Left-Arm Pacers Who Can Take Hat-Tricks In The Champions Trophy 2025
Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc, Australia’s spearhead in cricket, has been a terror with the ball for years. His longevity in ODI cricket, combined with his recent form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024/25, makes him one of the most feared bowlers in the world.
Starc’s ability to swing the ball at high speeds, especially in the early overs, could be particularly dangerous in Pakistan where conditions often favor swing bowling.
His knack for taking wickets in clusters, as seen in numerous international matches, positions him as a prime candidate for achieving a hat-trick.
Starc’s record in swing-friendly conditions speaks volumes. His mastery over the new ball, with his tall frame allowing for a high release point, often leads to batsmen misjudging the line and length.
The Pakistan pitches, known for offering assistance to fast bowlers in the initial overs, could be the perfect stage for Starc to showcase his skills.
His experience in the subcontinent, having played multiple series there, gives him an edge in adapting quickly to the conditions, making him likely to exploit any movement in the air or off the pitch to his advantage.
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi, the young Pakistani sensation, has already made a name for himself with his lethal left-arm pace.
Playing in his home country, Afridi has the significant advantage of knowing the conditions like the back of his hand.
His ability to swing the ball both ways, coupled with his pace, makes him a formidable opponent.
The home crowd’s support could also boost his performance, pushing him towards achieving milestones like a hat-trick in the Champions Trophy.
Afridi’s record in international cricket, especially in ODIs, has been impressive with his knack for early breakthroughs.
His performances in the 2023 World Cup and subsequent series have shown his capability to dismantle batting line-ups.
The pitches in Pakistan, often offering early assistance to pacers, could see Afridi utilize his in-swingers to devastating effect.
His propensity to bowl at the stumps, aiming for LBWs and bowled dismissals, could lead to those three wickets in three balls if the conditions align in his favor.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh from India brings his own set of credentials to the table.
Having previously played in Dubai during the IPL, he understands the nuances of the pitch there, where India will play all their matches.
His recent performances have been stellar, showing both control and an ability to swing the ball, particularly in the powerplay and at the death.
Arshdeep’s left-arm angle provides a different challenge to batsmen, especially when bowling in Dubai where pitches can be conducive to swing bowling.
His calm demeanor under pressure, combined with his strategic approach to bowling, has seen him rise through the ranks quickly.
Arshdeep’s ability to bowl yorkers at critical moments and change his pace makes him a dark horse for taking a hat-trick.
His recent form, especially in the white-ball format, where he has shown he can adapt to different conditions, positions him well for the Champions Trophy.
If the conditions in Dubai assist the bowlers, Arshdeep Singh could very well capitalize on this, providing India with crucial breakthroughs.
In Summary
The 2025 Champions Trophy, with its split hosting between Pakistan and Dubai, sets the stage for these three left-arm pacers to make their mark.
Mitchell Starc, with his experience and current form, Shaheen Afridi, leveraging home conditions, and Arshdeep Singh, with his adaptability and prior experience in Dubai, each have the capability to not just influence the outcome of matches but also etch their names in cricket history by achieving a hat-trick.
While taking three wickets in three deliveries is always a matter of chance, skill, and conditions, these bowlers possess all the attributes to turn that chance into a reality.
As fans and analysts eagerly watch, the Champions Trophy 2025 might just be remembered for the left-arm magic that these three pace bowlers could bring to the fore.
