"We might see that happen again" - AB de Villiers picks Champions Trophy 2025 finalists

Legendary South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers has predicted the finalists of the upcoming Champions Trophy. De Villiers feels that India and South Africa will make it to the summit clash just like the T20 World Cup 2024.

The two semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025 will be played on March 4 and 5 respectively. India will face Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai while South Africa will face New Zealand in the other one to be played in Lahore.

AB de Villiers also shed light on the South African team composition and claims that the team is in form right now. He is impressed by the Proteas' performance in the tournament so far and backed them to go all the way.

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AB de Villiers picks the finalists of Champions Trophy 2025

While speaking on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers revealed his gut feeling of India and South Africa facing each other in the final. He feels that South Africa have done well in the tournament so far and backed them to qualify for the summit clash.

“It’s tough to say (the two finalists of Champions Trophy) but my gut feel says India-South Africa – same as the T20 World Cup final," the former South African batter said.

“I think we might see that happen again. I think we are going to see South Africa in the final. The win against England would have given South Africa a lot of confidence," De Villiers added.

South Africa defeated England in their last group stage match played at Karachi. The Proteas won the match by 7 wickets with more than 20 overs to spare. The commanding win raised them to the top of Group B and would give them confidence ahead of the all-important knockouts.

“I just like the look of the team" AB de Villiers on South Africa

AB de Villiers further spoke about South Africa's team composition. He believes that the players like Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, and Rassie van der Dussen are in great form, and thus, backed them to play the final.

“I just like the look of the team. Marco Jansen in great form, the likes of (Heinrich) Klaasen in form, Rassie van der Dussen, Keshav Maharaj. I love the look of Wiaan Mulder – very handy allrounder. It will be nice to get that final again. I think it’s always a great final to watch India and South Africa," he said.

However, he warned India and South Africa to beware of the threat posed by New Zealand and Australia in the semi-finals. De Villiers warned everyone of Australia's performances in ICC tournaments and feels that it will be tough to go past them.

“But you definitely can’t count out New Zealand and Australia – two powerhouse teams. Especially, the Aussies, when it comes to ICC trophies, they always seem to knock on the door," said De Villiers.

India defeat NZ to set up semi-final with Australia

India defeated New Zealand to set up a semi-final clash against Australia in Dubai. The Men in Blue were exceptional while defending a target of 250 runs as their spinners took the game away from the Kiwis.

India have won all their three matches in the tournament while Australia won just a single match against England while their other two matches were washed out due to rain. It will be a repeat of the 2023 ODI World Cup final.