Hosts Pakistan are out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 following New Zealand's five-wicket win over Bangladesh in their Group A match on Monday. The Rawalpindi result also confirmed India's semi-final qualification. (AUS vs RSA Blog | Full Coverage | More Cricket News)
India and New Zealand will meet on March 2 with the winners taking on Group B runners-up in the semis. Blame it on Indo-Pak political tensions, India are playing all their matches in Dubai. This also means that Rohit Sharma ꧒& Co. could potentially deny Pakistan the right to host the Champions Trophy final, scheduled for March 9, 2025.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Dates
Regardless of what happens in the India vs New Zealand match, India will play in the first semi-final in Dubai on March 4. The two-time champions have won both their matches so far, identical six-wicket victories against Bangladesh and Pakistan.
ꦗIndia shared the title with Sri Lanka in the 2002 edition and beat England in the 2013 final. Having also reached the finals in the 2002 and 2017 iterations, they remain the most consistent team in the tournament's history.
New Zealand, the 2000 champions, will play their last-four match in Lahore on March 5. The Kiwis currently lead Group A on Net Run Rate -- +0.863 as compared to India's +0.647. Mitchell Santner & Co. defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the tournament opener.
What's happening in Group B?
Australia and South Africa meet in a top-of-the-table🍌 clash at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Tuesday (February 25). The winners will most likely claim one of the two semi-final spots from Group B.
🍬On Wednesday, Afghanistan and England clash in a do-or-die match. The Afghans suffered a 107-run loss against the Proteas, while England failed to defend 351/8 against their Ashes rivals Australia.
🌄In their respective group matches, Australia will take on Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Friday, and the following day, South Africa take on England at National Stadium, Karachi.
