The semi-final lineup for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has been finalized, with India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia securing their places in the knockout stage.
On Saturday, England set a modest target of 180 runs for South Africa in their crucial group-stage match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, as they were bowled out for 179 in just 38.2 overs at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
Beleaguered England faced the daunting task of defeating Proteas by at least 207 runs to deny them a place in the semi-finals and allow Afghanistan to advance.
However, after the first innings, it became impossible for England to achieve this. Even if South Africa were to lose the match, their superior Net Run Rate (NRR) ensured they would finish level on points with Afghanistan but ahead in the standings.
Proteas now join Group A’s India and New Zealand, along with Group B’s Australia, in the top four teams of the tournament.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) even extended an advance congratulatory message to the Proteas for their qualification.
The exact matchups for the semi-final stage will be determined following the much-anticipated clash between India and New Zealand.
The outcome of this crucial game will decide the final seedings and the opponents for the last four teams.
With the top four teams now confirmed, the Champions Trophy is set for an exciting finish as cricket fans eagerly await high-stakes encounters in the race to the final.