India wrapped up their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group stage campaign with a commanding 44-run victory over New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday. The win secured their position at the top of Group A, setting up a high-stakes semi-final showdown against reigning World Champions, Australia, on March 4 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
In Group B, South Africa delivered a crucial victory over England in Karachi on Saturday, finishing with five points from three matches. This result propelled them to the top of the standings, just ahead of Australia, who secured second place with four points.
With the group stage concluded, India will now face Australia in the first semi-final, while New Zealand, finishing second in Group A, is set to take on South Africa in the second semi-final at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium on March 5.
If India triumphs over Australia, the final will take place in Dubai, as the Indian team has opted to play all their matches in the UAE, declining to travel to Pakistan. This means the winner of the second semi-final will have to travel to Dubai for the tournament’s grand finale.
However, if Australia prevails, Pakistan will host the final for the first time in nearly three decades, with the match scheduled for March 9.
With cricketing powerhouses set to collide, fans can expect an intense battle as the road to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final narrows.
