Having clinched a semifinal spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Indian men’s cricket side will now be closely monitoring their potential last-four opponent. India and New Zealand have advanced to the semis from Group A, but in Group B only three of four teams still fight to move to the next stage, so all bets are off.
Who to face whom in the semis:
The team that finishes at the first spot of a division will meet the second-place team from the other division in the semifinals per the legal structure. Basically, the first semifinal will match B2 and A1, and the second will pit A2 and B1.
Thus, India’s theoretical semifinal adversary also relies on their Group A performance. Rohit Sharma’s team has won both their games as New Zealand has done so too. This Sunday the two teams will confront to decide the top-of-table headliner.
Here is a possible semi final competition for India.
India vs Australia or South Africa
Next up for Afghanistan is Australia, and should they be able to shock the reigning champions, they will advance. A washout will cause them to hope for a large South African loss in order for the net-run rate to factor in.
A victory against Afghanistan will secure Australia a one-point lead over their competitors and still get them to the semis even if the match becomes a draw.
South Africa face England in their final Group B game; a victory will give them the ticket for the semis. A loss will not destroy their dreams if Australia defeats Afghanistan.
South Africa could finish first in their group if they best England; Australia will end second if they best Afghanistan. If India ends Group A at the top in this event, they will face Australia in the semifinal. Second-place India will take on South Africa in their group.
If India (if they head Group A) will meet a Hashmatullah Shahidi-captain team in the semi-final, Afghanistan beats Australia and South Africa hands England a third straight loss of the tournament. Second-place India will face South Africa.
India vs Afghanistan:
If Afghanistan defeats Australia and South Africa loses to England, they can also finish at the top of their group. Should this occur, Afghanistan will progress, and the net run rate will decide the second qualifier between South Africa and Australia.
