Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Finalists Confirmed: India’s Possible Clash with Australia

The semi-final lineup for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is nearly set, with just one decisive group-stage clash remaining. South Africa secured the top spot in Group B after defeating England in their final league match in Karachi on Saturday. With five points from three matches, the Proteas finished ahead of Australia, who accumulated four points.

Meanwhile, in Group A, India and New Zealand are set to face off in a crucial clash on Sunday in Dubai. The result of this match will determine the semi-final matchups, with India’s opponent dependent on whether they win or lose against the Black Caps.

Possible Semi-Final Fixtures Based on Results

• If India defeats New Zealand:

  • India will top Group A and face Australia in the first semi-final at the Dubai International Stadium on March 4.
  • New Zealand will finish second in Group A and take on Group B toppers South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore on March 5.

• If India loses to New Zealand:

  • New Zealand will top Group A, and India will finish second, setting up a semi-final clash between India and South Africa in Dubai on March 4.
  • The other semi-final will then be an all-Trans-Tasman clash between Australia and New Zealand in Lahore on March 5.

Travel and Scheduling Concerns for Semi-Finalists

According to reports, Australia and South Africa will travel to the UAE on Saturday, but due to the scheduling uncertainty, one of the teams will have to return to Pakistan depending on their assigned venue.

An ICC official explained the reasoning behind this decision:

“The decision was taken to allow the team playing the semi-final in Dubai on March 4 maximum preparation time. However, this also means that one team will find themselves in an inconvenient position—traveling from Pakistan to Dubai, only to return to Pakistan the very next day.”

This scheduling decision, as reported by Cricinfo, has raised concerns about logistical challenges, especially for teams having to adjust to different conditions in a short timeframe.

Meanwhile, BBC also confirmed the uncertainty, noting that neither South Africa nor Australia will know their semi-final venue until after India’s match against New Zealand on Sunday.

The final semi-final fixtures and venues will be officially confirmed once the India vs. New Zealand match concludes on Sunday.