ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Qualification Scenarios and Points Table

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is nearing its climax, with the semi-final qualification scenarios becoming increasingly clear. Australia has already secured a spot in the semi-finals from Group B, while South Africa is close to joining them. The Proteas need to avoid a massive defeat to England in their final league game to confirm their entry into the knockout round. Afghanistan, on the other hand, has a slim chance of qualifying, but they require a significant favor from South Africa.

The points table currently shows Australia at the top of Group B with four points, followed by South Africa with three points and a superior Net Run Rate (+2.140). Afghanistan also has three points but a lower Net Run Rate (-0.990). England, who have yet to win a game in the tournament, must beat South Africa by a minimum of 207 runs to knock the Proteas out of the semi-final race. The semi-final line-ups will be determined by the outcomes of the remaining group stage matches, with the winner of Group A facing the second-placed team in Group B, and the second-placed team in Group A facing the winner of Group B.

In Group A, India and New Zealand have already qualified for the semi-finals, with their final league game against each other determining the group winner. If India wins, they will top the group, while a New Zealand victory will see them finish first. The Champions Trophy semi-finals will be played in Dubai and Lahore, with the final also potentially being held in Lahore if India does not make it. The semi-final schedules are as follows:

• First semi-final: March 4, Dubai International Cricket Stadium
• Second semi-final: March 5, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

If the South Africa vs England match is washed out due to rain, the Proteas will reach four points, equal to Australia, and their superior Net Run Rate will see them finish top of Group B. In this scenario, India will face Australia in the semi-finals if they finish top of Group A, while South Africa will face New Zealand. If India finishes second in Group A, they will play against South Africa in the semi-finals, with Australia taking on New Zealand.

The tournament has seen several rain-affected games, with three matches in Pakistan being washed out due to rain. The impact of rain on the semi-final line-ups and points table will be significant, and teams will be hoping for clear skies in the remaining matches. As the group stage comes to a close, fans can expect exciting cricket and intense competition among the teams vying for a spot in the semi-finals.