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11:13 pm
February 24, 2025

February 24, 2025 – The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has its first confirmed semifinalists from Group A, as India and New Zealand have secured their places in the knockout stage with commanding performances in the group phase. With the tournament hosted across Pakistan and the UAE, these two cricketing powerhouses have stamped their authority early, leaving Pakistan and Bangladesh to fight for pride in their remaining fixtures. Here’s how India and New Zealand punched their tickets to the semifinals and what lies ahead in their quest for the coveted trophy.

India Qualifies for the Final of Champions Trophy 2025

March 4, 2025 No Comments

New Zealand’s Clinical Campaign

New Zealand became the first team to qualify for the semifinals with a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh on February 24 in Rawalpindi, following their earlier 60-run triumph over Pakistan on February 19 in Lahore. Their unbeaten run has earned them four points from two matches, guaranteeing a top-two finish in Group A regardless of their final group game against India.

The Kiwis have showcased a well-rounded unit, blending disciplined bowling with explosive batting. Against Bangladesh, Michael Bracewell’s 4 for 26 dismantled the opposition’s middle order, restricting them to 236 for 9. In response, Rachin Ravindra’s maiden Champions Trophy century (112 off 95 balls) and a steady 55 from captain Tom Latham guided New Zealand to victory with 23 balls to spare. Their earlier win over Pakistan was equally convincing, with Matt Henry’s three wickets and a solid batting effort led by Kane Williamson proving too much for the hosts.

Captain Mitchell Santner praised his team’s consistency, saying, “We’ve executed our plans brilliantly in both games. The bowlers set the tone, and the batters have finished the job. We’re in a great position, but there’s work left to do.” New Zealand’s semifinal spot was sealed with this latest win, and their clash with India on March 2 in Dubai will determine who tops Group A.

India’s Dominant Start

India joined New Zealand in the semifinals, riding on their strong performances and favorable group dynamics. Their campaign began with a six-wicket win over Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, where Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell (3 for 25) and a composed chase led by KL Rahul (78 not out) set the tone. With two points already in the bag and two matches remaining—against Pakistan on February 23 in Lahore and New Zealand on March 2 in Dubai—India’s qualification was all but assured following New Zealand’s elimination of Bangladesh.

As of February 24, India’s position is mathematically secure. Even if they lose to Pakistan, their superior net run rate (+0.85) and the head-to-head win over Bangladesh give them an edge. A victory over Pakistan would lock in four points and virtually guarantee a top-two finish, but New Zealand’s dominance has already ensured that both teams progress, as Bangladesh (0 points) and Pakistan (0 points from one game) cannot overtake them with only one match each left.

Stand-in captain Rohit Sharma, resting for the Bangladesh game, expressed confidence in the team’s form: “We’ve started well, and the boys are hungry to keep the momentum going. The semifinals are a step closer to our goal, but we’re focused on every game ahead.” India’s depth, with contributions from Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and their potent bowling attack, makes them a formidable force.

How Qualification Played Out in Group A

Group A’s qualification race was effectively decided by New Zealand’s win over Bangladesh on February 24. The Kiwis’ four points from two wins left no room for both Pakistan and Bangladesh to catch up. Even if Pakistan beats India on February 23 and Bangladesh on February 27, reaching four points, and Bangladesh upsets Pakistan, the maximum points for either team would tie with India or New Zealand, with NRR unlikely to favor them over the already-qualified duo.

New Zealand (4 points, 2 matches): Two wins sealed their fate early, showcasing their adaptability on Pakistan’s pitches.
India (2 points, 1 match): One win, combined with New Zealand’s results, ensures their progression with games in hand.
Pakistan (0 points, 1 match): A loss to New Zealand and a must-win against India loom large, but even victories might not suffice.
Bangladesh (0 points, 2 matches): Back-to-back defeats have ended their campaign, relegating their final game to a dead rubber.

The India vs. New Zealand match on March 2 will now serve as a battle for the top spot, potentially influencing semifinal matchups and venue advantages.

What’s Next for the Semifinalists?

The semifinals are scheduled for March 4 in Dubai and March 5 in Lahore, with the final set for March 9 in Lahore—unless India reaches it, shifting the decider to Dubai due to logistical arrangements. New Zealand and India will face the top two teams from Group B, where South Africa currently leads with two points, while Australia, England, and Afghanistan are yet to solidify their positions.

For New Zealand, their balanced squad—featuring Bracewell’s all-round prowess, Ravindra’s emerging brilliance, and a seasoned core of Williamson and Santner—makes them a threat. India, with their star-studded lineup and history of excelling in ICC knockouts, will look to peak at the right time. The potential for an India-New Zealand semifinal rematch looms, recalling their epic 2019 World Cup clash, but Group B’s outcome will dictate the pairings.

India and New Zealand’s qualification underscores their status as cricketing giants, each bringing distinct strengths to the table. New Zealand’s resilience and India’s firepower promise a thrilling knockout stage. As Group B battles intensify, with South Africa’s early dominance challenged by Australia and England, the Champions Trophy 2025 is shaping up for a blockbuster conclusion.

For now, fans can savor the prospect of these two teams vying for supremacy, with the white jackets—and perhaps a shared trophy—within reach. The road to the final is paved, and India and New Zealand are ready to walk it.