Former India all-rounder R Ashwin gave the Champions Trophy 2025 opening between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday his highest rating.

According to Ashwin's rankings, Bangladesh and Pakistan—despite being the hosts—were the worst sides in the tournament, while New Zealand and India were the strongest.

Ashwin selected India and New Zealand to go to the semi-finals from Group A, which also includes Bangladesh and Pakistan, after giving them each 85 points (out of 100). If fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah had been healthy, the off-spinner claimed he would have given India 90.

"I'll give them 85. I would given India a 90 had Bumrah been there because India is completely different with him in the mix. The only concern for India in my view is that all their games are in Dubai. Let's say we lose all three tosses and are put into bat first because it's chalk and cheese between day and night at this venue. So, if opponents bat under lights, this 85 might start dropping," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin gave only 55 rating points to Pakistan while ranking Bangladesh lowest with 40.

India and New Zealand were chosen as the best teams for a reason. By defeating South Africa and Pakistan in the Tri-Nation Series, the Kiwis prepared for the tournament in style. Before the hosts, each team played one another. In the final, Pakistan faced the Blackcaps, and the Kiwis won three straight games.

With scores of 81 and 78, respectively, Ashwin selected Australia and England as the semi-finalists from Group B. Ashwin believes the Jos Buttler-led team has all the makings to compete with any of the world's best teams, despite England's poor performance against India, which included losing all three ODIs.

Remarkably, with a score of 70, Ashwin kept Afghanistan at No. 5. South Africa received a score of 68 and was not chosen to make it into the knockouts.