Karachi, Feb. 19 -- Ahead of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand on Wednesday, Pakistan batter Babar Azam recalled his favourite memories from the Champions Trophy 2017 final, where his team came up better against the arch-rivals India at The Oval, lifting the trophy for the first time.

The 2017 competition helped Babar announce himself on the international scene. In the final, the right-hand batter played 46 from 52 balls against Men in Blue which helped Pakistan to a 180-run win which remained etched in the national cricketing consciousness.

"As a player, I am very excited, and all the fans are excited," Babar said, as quoted by an ICC media release.

Babar also acknowledged the crucial roles played by centu...