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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has reached its decisive semifinal stage, with the top four teams—India, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand—set to battle it out on March 4 and March 5, 2025, for a spot in the final. As of March 3, 2025, the group stage has concluded, delivering thrilling performances and dramatic twists, culminating in India topping Group A, South Africa leading Group B, and Australia and New Zealand securing the runner-up positions. The semifinals promise a mix of high-stakes rivalries, contrasting styles, and unpredictable outcomes, with the first semifinal featuring India versus Australia in Dubai and the second pitting South Africa against New Zealand in Lahore.
First semifinal: India versus Australia – A battle of heavyweights
The opening semifinal brings together two cricketing powerhouses: India, the Group A table-toppers, and Australia, the second-placed team from Group B. India’s journey to the semifinals has been marked by dominant performances, with their campaign culminating in a crucial victory over New Zealand on March 2, 2025, to secure the top spot. Led by Rohit Sharma, India’s batting lineup—featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer—has been a force to reckon with, consistently posting competitive totals. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Mohammad Shami and supported by spinners like Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy has been equally impressive, offering variety and control.
Australia, under Steve Smith’s leadership, have shown resilience despite not topping their group. Their batting relies heavily on the experience of Smith and the explosiveness of Glenn Maxwell, while their bowling attack—featuring Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, and Adam Zampa—has the firepower to challenge India’s deep lineup. The Dubai International Stadium, known for its batting-friendly pitches and high-scoring encounters, could set the stage for a run-fest. However, dew in the evening might favor the team bowling first, adding a tactical layer to the toss decision. Historically, India and Australia have produced memorable knockout clashes in ICC tournaments, and this semifinal promises no less.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Australia opener ruled out of semifinal clash against India, replacement announced
Second semifinal: South Africa versus New Zealand – A tactical showdown
The second semifinal pits South Africa, the Group B leaders, against New Zealand, the runners-up from Group A, in what promises to be a tactical showdown at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. South Africa have been a standout team in the tournament, showcasing consistency and aggression to top their group. Led by Temba Bavuma, their pace-heavy bowling attack—featuring Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen—has been a nightmare for opposition batsmen, while their batting, bolstered by Ryan Rickelton and Heinrich Klaasen, has delivered when it mattered most.
New Zealand, despite a loss to India in their final group game, have fought their way to the semifinals with characteristic grit. Mitchell Santner’s calm leadership, combined with the all-round brilliance of Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell, has kept them competitive. Their bowling, led by Matt Henry and supported by William ORourke, offers experience and cunning, while their adaptability across conditions makes them a tricky opponent.
South Africa will aim to shed their historical ‘chokers’ tag in knockout cricket, leveraging their current form and the energy of a passionate Lahore crowd. New Zealand, perennial dark horses, thrive in such scenarios, often punching above their weight with smart cricket.
Broadcast Details (TV and Digital)
- India: Jio Hotstar (Live streaming on Jio Hotstar app, Television coverage on Star Sports and Network 18 channels)
- Pakistan: PTV and Ten Sports, Streaming options: Myco and Tamasha app
- UAE and MENA: CricLife Max and CricLife Max2, Streaming option: STARZPLAY
- UK: Live broadcasting on Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action, Digital coverage via SkyGO, NOW and Sky Sports App
- USA: Sling TV – Willow TV and WillowXtra [Sign up here]
- Canada: WillowTV
- Australia: PrimeVideo
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ, digital coverage via Now and SkyGo app
- Caribbean: ESPNCaribbean on TV, Streaming via ESPN Play Caribbean [Sign up here] app
- South Africa and sub-Saharan territories: SuperSport and SuperSport App
- Bangladesh: Nagorik TV and T Sports for linear broadcast, digital via Toffee app
- Afghanistan: ATN
- Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV (TV1 on Linear), Digital via Sirasa
Broadcast details (Radio)
- UK: BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
- India: All India Radio
- Pakistan: HUM 106.2 FM
- UAE: Talk 100.3 FM and Big 106.2
- Bangladesh: Radio Shadhin 92.4 and Radio Bhumi 92.8
- Sri Lanka: Lakhanda Radio
