The race for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025 is nearing its conclusion, with just two matches left in the round-robin group stage. Nonetheless, anticipation is high for these final fixtures, as they will shape the standings and the semi-final match-ups of this prestigious tournament. A rain-affected match in Lahore on Saturday resulted in Australia and Afghanistan sharing points, which slightly dampened the excitement in Group B. With four points, Australia has become the first team in the group to clinch a spot in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Afghanistan, despite their commendable performance against England, is nearly out of the running.
Afghanistan showcased another strong batting display after successfully defending a total of 325 against England, scoring 273 against Australia on Friday. However, a quick-fire fifty from Travis Head saw Australia making smooth progress at 109 for 1 in just 12.5 overs before rain halted play in Lahore. If not for the rain, Afghanistan could have faced a significant defeat.
While they will be thankful for earning a point from the match, Afghanistan now requires significant assistance from South Africa to advance to the semi-finals. England, still in search of their first victory in the Champions Trophy, must defeat South Africa by a margin of at least 207 runs to eliminate the Proteas from semi-final contention.
South Africa currently holds three points from two matches, having won against England and drawn due to rain against Australia. They boast the best Net Run Rate in the group at +2.140, while Afghanistan has three points with a Net Run Rate of -0.990.
WHAT DOES AFGHANISTAN NEED TO QUALIFY?
For Afghanistan to secure qualification: England needs to defeat South Africa by a minimum of 207 runs. If South Africa bats first and scores more than 173 runs, England must successfully chase down that target within 15 overs.
WHO WILL INDIA FACE IN THE SEMI-FINALS?
The team that wins Group A will square off against the runner-up from Group B in the semi-finals, while the second-placed team in Group A will compete against the Group B winner in the other semi-final. No matter the outcome, India will play in the first semi-final in Dubai. Both India and New Zealand have secured their places in the semi-finals from Group A. They will face each other in the final league match on Sunday, with the winner claiming the top spot in the group.
Currently, New Zealand leads Group A with a superior Net Run Rate compared to India. If Australia finishes first in Group B and India loses its last Group A match against New Zealand, the semi-final in Dubai will feature Australia vs. India.
If South Africa tops Group B by defeating England, and India loses to New Zealand, the semi-final will be India vs. South Africa in Dubai.
However, if India wins its final Group A match against New Zealand and South Africa triumphs over England in their last Group B game, the semi-final will be India vs. Australia in Dubai.
If India finishes first in Group A, they may face Afghanistan in the semi-finals, assuming South Africa experiences a significant defeat against England on Saturday.
POTENTIAL SEMI-FINAL MATCHUPS
India vs Australia
India vs South Africa
India vs Afghanistan
India is eager to secure a victory in their final Group A match on Sunday, aiming to maintain their momentum following impressive performances against Bangladesh and Pakistan. Conversely, New Zealand will seek to acclimate to the Dubai conditions, as they could potentially return to the venue for the final if the two Group A semifinalists advance to compete for the championship. The second semifinal is set to take place in Lahore, which could also be the site of the final should India not qualify.