Champions Trophy Semifinals Set: India to Face Australia in Dubai, South Africa to Take on New Zealand in Lahore

The group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 concluded with India’s 44-run victory over New Zealand in Dubai, finalizing the semifinal matchups. With this win, India secured the top spot in Group A with six points, while New Zealand, despite the loss, finished second. India will now face Australia in the first semifinal on Tuesday in Dubai.

Meanwhile, South Africa, who topped Group B with five points, will play against New Zealand in the second semifinal on Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The Proteas won their matches against Afghanistan and England, while their encounter against Australia was abandoned due to rain.

In the last group-stage clash, New Zealand opted to bowl first after winning the toss against India. The Indian top-order collapsed early, slipping to 30/3. However, a crucial 98-run stand between Shreyas Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42 off 61 balls) steadied the innings. After their dismissals, KL Rahul (23) also fell cheaply, leaving India at 182/6. A late 41-run partnership between Ravindra Jadeja (16) and Hardik Pandya (45 off 45 balls) helped India post a total of 249/9 in 50 overs. Matt Henry was New Zealand’s standout bowler, finishing with figures of 5/42 in eight overs.

In response, New Zealand struggled to build momentum in their chase of 250. Captain Kane Williamson played a valiant knock of 81 off 120 balls with seven boundaries, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to handle India’s spin attack. Varun Chakravarthy was the wrecker-in-chief, picking up 5/42 and dismantling the middle order. Kuldeep Yadav supported well with 2/56 in 9.3 overs, while Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja took a wicket each, restricting New Zealand to 205 all out.

With the semifinals now set, India and Australia will meet in a high-stakes clash in Dubai, while South Africa and New Zealand will battle it out in Lahore for a spot in the final.