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With India assured of a semifinal spot, we take a look at their likely opponent in the knockout clash to be held on March 2 in Dubai.
India could face either of the three teams from Group B still in race for the semifinals spo. (AFP/AP)
With Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal spot sealed, the Indian men’s cricket team will now be keeping a close watch on their potential opponent in the last-four stage. From Group A, India and New Zealand have qualified for the semis but all bets are off in Group B with only three teams out of four still in the fight to advance to the next stage.
Who Faces Whom in Semis?
As per the official format, the team finishing at the top spot of a group will face the second-placed team from the other group in the semifinals. Simply put, in the first semifinal, it will be A1 vs B2, and the second semifinal will be between B1 and A2.
So, India’s potential semifinal opponent also depends on how they finish in their Group A. So far, the Rohit Sharma-led side has won both their matches as have New Zealand. The two teams will clash this Sunday to determine the table-topper.
Here we take a look at India’s potential semifinal opponents
Three-Way Battle Between Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan
On Wednesday, Afghanistan knocked out England from the semifinals race following their thrilling eight-win win in Lahore. It has kept Afghanistan’s hopes of advancing to the semis alive.
Afghanistan next face Australia and should they manage to stun the world champions, they will advance. A washout will leave them praying for a big South Africa defeat to bring the net-run rate into play.
Australia will qualify with a win over Afghanistan and even a washout will ensure they have a one-point advantage over their opponents and still make it to the semis.
South Africa face England in their final Group B match and a win will give them the ticket for the semis. A defeat won’t end their hopes should Australia beat Afghanistan.
India’s Semifinal Opponents
India Vs Australia/South Africa
South Africa could top their group if they beat England while Australia will finish second if they beat Afghanistan. In that scenario, India, if they finish Group A on top, will take on Australia in their semifinal clash. If India are second in their group, they will face South Africa.
India Vs Afghanistan
In the scenario that Afghanistan beats Australia and South Africa hand England a third straight defeat of the competition, India (if they top Group A) will face Hashmatullah Shahidi-led team in the last-four. If India finish second, then they face South Africa.
Afghanistan can also top their group if they beat Australia and South Africa lose to England. Should this happen, Afghanistan will advance, and it will boil down to the net-run rate to decide the second qualifier between Australia and South Africa.
When Will India Play
