Three teams have been confirmed for the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-finals, which will be played in Lahore and Dubai.
India, New Zealand and Australia secure semi-final spot
A rain-affected match between Australia and Afghanistan in Lahore on Saturday led to both teams sharing points in the Group B encounter. As a result, Australia became the first team from the group to qualify for the semi-finals, sitting comfortably with four points. They had also seen their game against South Africa end without a result but they garnered crucial points against England, where they completed a historic chase.
From Group A, India and New Zealand edged ahead of Pakistan and Bangladesh to finish in the top two.
However, the table positions of neither team have been determined: Australia can be toppled to second place if South Africa win their game against England, while the winner of the New Zealand-India game would decide where the two teams end in their group.
Afghanistan’s slim qualification hopes
Afghanistan, who defeated England earlier in the tournament, have a near-impossible task of making it through into the top four. Their hopes will hinge on other teams: England will need to defeat South Africa by at least 207 runs to eliminate the Proteas and give Afghanistan a chance.
South Africa, currently on three points from two games, hold the best Net Run Rate (+2.140) in the group. Afghanistan also have three points but a significantly lower Net Run Rate (-0.990).
Who will India face in the semi-final?
The Group A winner will face the second-placed team from Group B, while the Group B winner will meet the runner-up from Group A in the semi-finals.
Regardless of the final standings, India will play the first semi-final in Dubai. Both India and New Zealand have already secured their spots in the knockouts, and their upcoming clash on Sunday will decide the group winner. Currently, New Zealand top Group A due to a superior Net Run Rate.
The semi-final matchups will depend on the following:
- If Australia finish first in Group B and India lose to New Zealand, the semi-final will be India vs Australia in Dubai.
- If South Africa top Group B and India lose their final game, then India will face South Africa in Dubai.
- If India defeat New Zealand and South Africa beat England, the semi-final will be India vs Australia.
- If India top Group A and South Africa are eliminated after a heavy defeat, India will face Afghanistan in the semi-final.
The second semi-final will take place in Lahore, which could also host the final unless India qualify, in which case Dubai will remain the venue of the summit clash.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
