Champions Trophy 2025: A look at all four semi-finalists
What's the story
South Africa have booked the fourth semi-final berth in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy after a stellar bowling display against England.
The Proteas restricted England to a tournament-low total of 179 runs in their final league-stage match.
Marco Jansen spearheaded the brilliant effort by picking up three wickets in the first powerplay.
Notably, South Africa were required to lose by at least 207 runs for Afghanistan to qualify.
NRR advantage
South Africa's NRR secures semi-final position
Regardless of the SA-ENG match result, the Proteas qualified for the semi-finals due to their better Net Run Rate (NRR) than Afghanistan.
The Proteas's NRR of +2.140 before the England match was way better than that of Australia (+0.475), making them the second semi-finalists from their group, irrespective of the match result.
England, who were already out, were required to beat SA by at least 207 runs. This would have made Afghanistan eligible for the semis.
Semi-final lineup
South Africa joins India, New Zealand, and Australia
With their qualification confirmed, South Africa now join India and New Zealand from Group A. Australia are the other side from Group B in the top four.
This lineup is reminiscent of the 2023 World Cup held in India where Australia emerged victorious after beating the home side. Notably, India beat New Zealand in the semi-final.
Upcoming fixtures
Semi-final fixtures to be determined after India-NZ clash
The semi-final fixtures will be decided after the last league stage match between India and New Zealand on Sunday. The Group A topper will face the Group B second-placed team and vice-versa.
Sunday's match could see either India or New Zealand face South Africa in the semis.
The first semi-final is scheduled in Dubai, which means India will feature in that match. Their opponents will be decided shortly.
Information
How SA reached semi-finals
South Africa started their campaign with a 107-run win over Afghanistan at Karachi's National Stadium. Their second match, against Australia, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, was abandoned due to rain. This was followed by a one-sided win over England.