New Delhi: The group stage of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has finished, paving the way for the much-awaited semi-finals. In the last group match, the Indian team defeated New Zealand by a massive 44 runs and thus secured the top spot in Group A as well. This result confirms the four semi-finalists: India, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. The semi-final matches will take place in Dubai (India) and Pakistan on the 4th and 5th of March.
All the semi-finalists have qualified after placing in the top two of their respective sections. India finished on top of Group A, and New Zealand came second in the same group. South Africa topped Group B while Australia finished second. According to the tournament formula, the semi-final one will be played between the top team from Group A and the second team from Group B, so India will be up against Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Group A runners-up New Zealand will face Group B winners South Africa in the second semi-final. The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host this high-stakes encounter. Both semi-finalists will advance to the final, which will be held at an undetermined location. If India progresses to the final, it will be held in Dubai, and if India does not reach the final, the final will be held in Lahore.
Interestingly, all four semi-finalists have won the Champions Trophy at least once in the past. South Africa won the first title in 1998, and New Zealand won in 2000. Australia won the title in succession in 2006 and 2009, and India has been a two-time champion in 2002 and 2013.