The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is poised to be a battleground for cricket’s elite, with left-arm pacers often holding an edge due to their unique angle and variations.

Here, we explore three such bowlers who have the skills, experience, and form to top the wicket-takers chart in this prestigious tournament.

Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh has been a revelation for India, particularly in the T20 format, where he has shown exceptional control and ability to take wickets.

With 155 matches under his belt, Arshdeep has captured 206 wickets at an average of 22.26.

His economy rate of 8.45 in T20 cricket might not scream control, but this often comes from his role in bowling during the powerplay and at the death, where scoring rates are typically higher.

His best figures of 5/32 highlight his potential to wreck havoc in any match scenario.

Arshdeep’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, despite his limited ODI experience, is a testament to his performances in ICC tournaments.

His ability to swing the new ball, combined with his deceptive slower deliveries and yorkers, makes him a threat to any top-order batsman.

His performance in the T20 World Cup was a clear indication of his capability in high-pressure situations, where he consistently picked up key wickets, especially in the powerplay.

The conditions in Dubai, where India will play all their matches, could favor Arshdeep.

The pitches there often offer assistance to swing bowlers early on, which aligns with Arshdeep’s strength.

His strategy might involve exploiting the new ball conditions to take early wickets, setting the tone for the innings.

His adaptability to bowl in different phases of the game could see him accumulating a high wicket tally, potentially leading the pack in this tournament.

Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi, the young Pakistani prodigy, has already made a significant mark in international cricket. With 119 wickets in just 59 matches, his average of 23.14 and economy rate of 5.49 underline his effectiveness.

His best figures of 6/35 in T20 cricket are a testament to his capacity to single-handedly turn matches.

Afridi’s bowling is characterized by his raw pace, which can unsettle even the most composed of batsmen, combined with his ability to swing the ball both ways.

His height allows him to extract extra bounce, making him particularly dangerous against right-handers.

The conditions in Dubai, where the ball might not assist pace as much as in other venues, could still play into Afridi’s hands due to his ability to maintain a good line and length, forcing errors from batsmen looking to score quickly.

In the Champions Trophy, Afridi’s role could be pivotal for Pakistan, especially in matches against strong batting line-ups.

His experience in big tournaments and his knack for performing in crunch situations could see him leading the wicket charts.

His strategy would likely involve taking wickets in the powerplay, using his swing, and then returning with variations like slower balls and yorkers to close out innings.

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc, the Australian left-arm speedster, has been a consistent performer across formats.

With 244 wickets in 127 matches in ODIs, his record speaks for itself: an average of 23.40 and an economy rate of 5.26. His best figures of 6/28 showcase his match-winning potential.

Starc’s bowling is all about pace, swing, and accuracy.

His ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers at high speeds, particularly in the death overs, makes him one of the most feared bowlers in the world.

In Dubai, where the ball might not swing as much as in more temperate climates, Starc’s pace and his ability to bowl with the old ball could still make him lethal.

His bounce can trouble batsmen on slower pitches, and his experience in adapting to various conditions around the world gives him an edge.

For the Champions Trophy 2025, Starc would aim to utilize his skills to dominate from both ends of the innings.

His strategy would likely involve taking early wickets with swing and then using his pace variations and yorkers to dismantle the tail or restrict scoring in the death.

His history of performing in World Cups and other ICC events suggests he could very well be the highest wicket-taker if Australia has a successful campaign.

In Summary

The Champions Trophy 2025 will not only be about the batsmen’s fireworks but also about the strategic battles between bat and ball.

Arshdeep Singh, Shaheen Afridi, and Mitchell Starc represent the pinnacle of left-arm pace bowling, each with distinct styles yet united by their potential to dominate.

Their performances in this tournament could very well define their legacies further, as they aim to be the top wicket-taker in one of cricket’s most prestigious events.

The cricketing world will watch with anticipation as these bowlers look to make their mark in Dubai.