India’s captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir and others during a practice session ahead of a One Day International (ODI) cricket match of the ICC Champions Trophy between India and New Zealand, at ICC Academy Ground No 2 , in Dubai, UAE, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
Credit: PTI Photo
After two fantastic performances, India have booked themselves a berth in the semi-finals of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.
Mohammed Shami's fifer and Shubhman Gill's century ensured the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team weren't handed a surprise defeat vs Bangladesh, while Kohli's 51st ODI century led India to victory in an almost one-sided contest against Pakistan.
India currently sit at second position in Group A, and their match Vs New Zealand on Sunday will decide who tops the group.
Amidst this, the opponents they will face in Dubai for the semi-finals are yet undecided, with various scenarios still in play. Friday's washout ensured Australia qualified having won just one match. The second spot is still up for grabs, and the England Vs South Africa match later today will decide Afghanistan's fate in the tournament.
Should England beat South Africa by more than 207 runs, or chase down a target over 173 by 15 overs, Afghanistan will qualify and Australia will top the group.
If the above scenario doesn't occur, South Africa will qualify regardless of whether they win or lose. A washout or a victory will hand them the group's top spot.
Here is an explanation of what scenarios need to occur for India to face each of the three possible opponents:
India will face Afghanistan if:
India defeat New Zealand
England beat South Africa by more than 207 runs, or chase down a target over 173 by 15 overs.
India will face South Africa if:
India beat New Zealand.
England beat South Africa by less than 207 runs, don't chase a target over 173 by 15 overs.
Or
New Zealand beat India, or match is washed out.
South Africa beat England, or match is washed out.
India will face Australia if:
New Zealand beat India, or match is washed out.
England beat South Africa.
Or
India beat New Zealand
South Africa beat England, or match is washed out.
England will face South Africa today at 2:30 pm.
India will play against New Zealand on Sunday at 2:30 pm.