Champions Trophy 2025: Who could India face in semis?
What's the story
The 2025 Champions Trophy is heading toward its climax with just two matches remaining in the round-robin group stage.
So far, India, New Zealand, and Australia have confirmed their places in the semi-finals.
The remaining fixtures will determine the final standings and set up the semi-final line-up of this prestigious tournament.
Here we decode India's possible semi-final opponents in the Champions Trophy.
Semi-final race
Australia secure semi-final spot, Afghanistan's hopes hang by thread
Australia became the first team from Group B to qualify for the semi-finals, with four points.
They achieved this after a rain-affected match against Afghanistan in Lahore on Saturday.
Despite Afghanistan's impressive batting display, their semi-final hopes are now hanging by a thread due to their current standing and net run rate.
AFG
What does Afghanistan need to qualify for the semis?
As per Cricbuzz, for Afghanistan to stay alive in their semi-final dreams, they need England to beat South Africa by 207 runs or more.
If England bat second, they will have to chase down the target within 11.1 overs (assuming a first innings total of 300 in both cases).
This makes the upcoming match between England and South Africa crucial for Afghanistan's fate in the tournament.
Semi-final scenarios
Scenarios explaining whom India could meet in semis
The Group A winners will meet Group B's second-placed team in the semi-final.
Either way, India will play the first semi-final in Dubai.
If Australia top Group B and India loses their last Group A game against New Zealand, Australia will be India's opponent.
But if South Africa top Group B by beating England and India lose their last match against New Zealand, it will be an India vs South Africa semi-final in Dubai.
Information
A look at the points table
In Group B, Australia are atop with 4 points from three games (NRR: +0.475). South Africa own three points with a game in hand (NRR: +2.140). In Group A, India are 2nd with 4 points (NRR: +0.647). New Zealand are ahead on NRR (+0.863).