The final decision on which two teams will face each other in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-finals will be made after the last two league matches. India and New Zealand have already secured their places in the semi-finals from Group A, and Australia has qualified from Group B. Only one spot remains, with South Africa and Afghanistan vying intensely for it.
How will the semi-final equation be formed?
India and New Zealand's final league match will be held in Dubai on Sunday. The outcome of this match will determine which team tops Group A and, consequently, their semi-final opponent. Currently, New Zealand leads the points table, but if India wins, they will move to the top of Group A. Meanwhile, Australia has already reached the semi-finals from Group B. The remaining fourth team will be either South Africa or Afghanistan.
Does Afghanistan have a chance to reach the semi-finals?
Afghanistan is not entirely out of contention. For them to reach the semi-finals, England needs to defeat South Africa by a significant margin. For example, if England bats first and scores 301 runs and restricts South Africa to 207 or fewer, Afghanistan will qualify for the semi-finals. However, if South Africa wins this match, they will directly secure a place in the final four, and Afghanistan's campaign will end.
Who are India's potential semi-final opponents?
* If India tops Group A, they will face the second-placed team from Group B, which could be either South Africa or Afghanistan.
* If India finishes second, they will face the top team from Group B, namely Australia.
Possible Semi-final Matches
India vs Australia (if India finishes second in Group A and Australia finishes first in Group B)
India vs South Africa (if India tops Group A and South Africa finishes second in Group B)
India vs Afghanistan (if India tops Group A and Afghanistan finishes second in Group B)
