Revealed: Who Will Be India's Opponent In Champions Trophy Semi-Final Among Australia, South Africa, Afghanistan
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Australia secured a place in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after their match against Afghanistan was washed out due to rain. However, the result has put Afghanistan in hot waters as they need a miracle to qualify for the next stage.
While Australia have qualified from Group B now, India and New Zealand had already secured their qualification some days before. It means that Australia will face either the Men in Blue or the Kiwis depending upon the results of the remaining two matches of the group stage.
The match between England and South Africa will be played at Karachi on March 1 (Saturday). In good news for the cricket fans, a clear forecast is expected in Karachi with no chance of rain.
When will the IND-NZ match be played?
The final match of the group stage will be played between India and New Zealand in Dubai on March 2 (Sunday). Both the teams are in great form as they have won both the matches so far - against Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The winner of this match will top Group A and will face the second-placed team of Group B in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, the loser of the match between India and New Zealand will face the first-placed team of Group B in the semi-finals.
As a result, both the matches are important to decide the semi-finalists. Although three semi-finalists have already been decided, one place is still up for grabs with South Africa being the favorites to grab the spot.
What happens if India beats New Zealand?
If India beats New Zealand at Dubai in their final Group A match, they will top Group A and will face the second-placed team in Group B. If South Africa loses to England but qualifies based on superior NRR to Afghanistan, they will be up against the Men in Blue in the semi-final.
However, if South Africa loses badly by a huge margin of more than 207 runs to England, then Afghanistan will have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals as the second-placed team of Group B and face India there.
But if South Africa manages to beat England on Saturday, they will emerge as the Group B toppers, which will mean that Rohit Sharma and his men will face Australia, the second-place team in Group B, in the semi-finals.
What happens if New Zealand wins in Dubai?
If New Zealand manages to beat the Men in Blue in Dubai, they will go on top of Group A and hence, will face the second-placed team of Group B. In this case, if South Africa loses to England but qualifies for the semi-final based on NRR, they will take on New Zealand in the semi-final.
This puts the Men in Blue in front of Australia in the semi-finals. However, if South Africa loses by more than 207 runs, Afghanistan will face New Zealand in the semi-finals. But if South Africa beats England, they will emerge as Group B toppers and will face India in the semi-finals.
