Under Rohit Sharma's leadership, the Indian team has shown an exceptional performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Team India has secured a spot in the semifinals with two consecutive victories. In their first match, India defeated Bangladesh by 6 wickets. Following this, India triumphed over their arch-rival Pakistan, also by 6 wickets. However, the question remains: who will India face in the semifinals?
Who will be India's semifinal opponent?
India's final group match is scheduled against New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai. Only after this match, the complete picture will be clear. Regardless of the outcome, India is set to play the first semifinal in Dubai on March 4. The team finishing first in Group A will face the second team in Group B, while the second team in Group A will play against the Group B topper.
Besides India, New Zealand has qualified for the semifinals from Group A. From Group B, Australia has secured a spot. One of the teams, South Africa or Afghanistan, will also make it to the semifinals from Group B, although Afghanistan's chances are quite slim.
If South Africa wins against England in their last group match on Saturday, they will top Group B. In such a scenario, should India lose to New Zealand or the match end in a draw, the semifinal in Dubai will be Australia vs India. If Australia remains at the top in Group B and India loses to New Zealand, the semifinal in Dubai will still be Australia vs India.
If India wins its last group match against New Zealand, and South Africa beats England, the semifinal battle will be between India and Australia. If India tops Group A, they might face Afghanistan in the semifinals, provided South Africa suffers a heavy defeat against England.
Group A consists of India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. New Zealand leads the group with two wins in two matches, possessing a net run rate of 0.863. Currently, India holds the second position with two wins, accumulating 4 points and a net run rate of 0.647. India can only top this group by defeating New Zealand. Bangladesh and Pakistan stand third and fourth, respectively.
Source: aajtak
Group B includes Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia. South Africa leads with 3 points from two matches, flaunting an impressive net run rate of 2.140. Australia also has 3 points from two matches, but their net run rate (0.475) is lesser than South Africa’s. Third-positioned Afghanistan has 2 points from two matches with a net rate of -0.990. England is yet to open their account and stands at the bottom.
Source: aajtak
Remaining Champions Trophy Matches:
February 28 - Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore March 1 - South Africa vs England, Karachi March 2 - New Zealand vs India, Dubai March 4 - Semifinal 1 - India vs TBD, Dubai March 5 - Semifinal 2, Lahore March 9 - Final, Lahore (If India reaches the final, it will be played in Dubai) March 10 - Reserve Day
