Dubai: The group matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are underway. The match between Australia and South Africa was canceled due to rain, making the tournament even more exciting.
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In Group A, New Zealand and India have secured their places in the Champions Trophy semi-finals by winning both of their matches, while the host and defending champion Pakistan, along with Bangladesh, have been eliminated from the semi-final race.
Group B Semi-Final Race Heats Up as Rain Disrupts Australia vs. South Africa Clash
On the other hand, the semi-finalists from Group B are yet to be decided. The cancellation of the Australia vs. South Africa match due to rain has made the points table in this group even more intriguing, as nearly all teams are still in contention for the semi-finals.
The final decision on which teams from this group will advance to the Champions Trophy semi-finals will be determined after the matches on February 28 and March 1. After Australia and South Africa’s match was washed out, England vs. Afghanistan has become a do-or-die clash
New Zealand and India Secure Semi-Final Berths as Pakistan, Bangladesh Exit Tournament
In the ICC mega event hosted by Pakistan, Group A saw New Zealand and India defeat their rivals Pakistan and Bangladesh, securing two wins each and sealing their spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. Meanwhile, host and defending champion Pakistan, along with Bangladesh, lost both their matches and failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy semi-finals, leading to their exit from the tournament.
The two teams will face each other on Thursday at Rawalpindi Stadium in what is now a formal match, which will determine the third and fourth positions in Group A.
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Additionally, the first and second positions in the group will be decided in the match between India and New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai.
Group B Remains Wide Open After Rain-Affected Match
Group B, however, remains highly competitive. Due to the rain-affected match in Rawalpindi, Australia and South Africa received one point each, bringing their total to three points from two matches. South Africa had previously defeated Afghanistan, while Australia secured a victory against England.
England & Afghanistan Face Off as Australia Eyes Champions Trophy Semi-finals
Now, in the same group, England and Afghanistan will face off at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both teams lost their opening matches and will be fighting hard to keep their semi-final hopes alive by securing a win. However, a crucial match between Australia and Afghanistan is scheduled for February 28 in Lahore. If Australia wins this match, they will advance to the Champions Trophy semi-finals semi-finals with five points.
Champions Trophy Semi-Finals: South Africa vs. England Decider
The second semi-finalist from this group will be determined on March 1 in Karachi, when South Africa takes on England. Notably, the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy will be played on March 4 in Dubai, while the second semi-final will take place on March 5 in Lahore.
If India reaches the final, it will be held on March 9 at Dubai International Stadium. However, if India fails to qualify, the Champions Trophy final will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
