With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 reaching its business end, all eyes are on the semi-final clashes. While the four teams qualifying for the knockouts have been confirmed, the final group match between India and New Zealand will decide the exact fixtures for the semi-finals.
From Group A, India and New Zealand have comfortably secured their spots in the semi-finals, after beating Pakistan and Bangladesh, respectively. While South Africa and Australia have progressed from Group B. However, the placement of teams within their respective groups will define who faces whom in the semi-finals.
The Rohit Sharma-led side is already confirmed to play the first semi-final on March 4 in Dubai. All the questions about the further fixtures will be answered after the crucial India vs New Zealand match, scheduled for Sunday, March 02.
Scenarios
1. If India beat New Zealand, they will top Group A and face the second-placed team from Group B, which is Australia.
2. If India lose to New Zealand, then they will finish second in Group A and face Group B toppers South Africa in the semi-final.
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Australia, South Africa depart for Dubai
Meanwhile, the second semi-final will be held in Lahore on March 5, where New Zealand will face the other Group B team (either South Africa or Australia, depending on India’s result). The final is scheduled for March 9, and its venue will be decided based on India’s qualification. If the former champions reach the final, it will be held in Dubai; otherwise, it will take place in Lahore.
One of the logistical challenges of this edition of the prestigious event is the scheduling of the semi-finals in two different countries. With Rohit & his men playing all their matches outside Pakistan due to political reasons, the semi-finalists from Group B (Australia and South Africa) are set to travel to the UAE this weekend.
An ICC official revealed that this scheduling was done to provide the team playing in Dubai on March 4 ample preparation time. However, it also means that one of the teams will have to travel to Dubai only to potentially return to Pakistan if they qualify for the final. Australia has already shifted to Dubai, while South Africa will leave Karachi on Sunday, a day after a win over England.
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