The Champions Trophy semi-final picture is almost complete, with South Africa sealing their spot on Saturday with a commanding seven-wicket win over England in Karachi. Wiaan Mulder (3-25) and Marco Jansen (3-39) dismantled England’s batting lineup, bundling them out for a meager 179 in 38.2 overs. South Africa then chased the target comfortably, losing just three wickets in 29.1 overs.
This victory secured South Africa’s place at the top of Group B with five points, one ahead of Australia, meaning both teams progressed to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, from Group A, India and New Zealand have already qualified, with their final group match on Sunday set to determine the semi-final fixtures.
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For England, the tournament has been a disaster, suffering three defeats — including losses to Australia and Afghanistan — before their elimination was confirmed with a game to spare. Adding to their woes, Jos Buttler stepped down as captain following their exit.
Semi-final scenarios and venue uncertainty
The final group-stage encounter between India and New Zealand will determine the final semi-final pairings. The first semi-final is scheduled for Dubai on March 4, while the second will take place in Lahore on March 5.
Due to political tensions, India have played all their matches in Dubai and will continue to do so in the semi-finals, regardless of their group position. If India reach the final, it will be held in Dubai on March 9; otherwise, Lahore will host the title decider.
England’s final blow in the tournament
Fast bowler Jofra Archer provided an early spark for England, dismissing Tristan Stubbs (0) and Ryan Rickelton (27) at 47/2. However, a match-winning 127-run stand between Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen sealed England’s fate. Klaasen struck 64 off 56 balls before falling to Adil Rashid, while van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 72. David Miller finished the game in style with a six.
Earlier, Mulder and Jansen ripped through England’s top order, with spinner Keshav Maharaj (2-35) adding to their struggles. Joe Root top-scored for England with 37, highlighting their disappointing campaign.
India vs New Zealand: A high-stakes final group clash
A seemingly invincible India will look to fine-tune their game against spin and test their bench strength when they face New Zealand in their last group match on Sunday. A win would secure them the top spot in Group A, though their semi-final opposition — either Australia or South Africa — will be tough regardless.
Indian batters have struggled against spin in the tournament so far, adopting a cautious approach against Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain, as well as Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed. However, against New Zealand, they will face even trickier opposition in Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, who have been in fine form on the slow Dubai surface.
With 20 overs of high-quality spin expected from Santner, Bracewell and Glenn Phillips, the Indian batting lineup — led by Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul — will face a crucial test before the knockouts. The Indian team still has fresh memories of their 0-3 Test series defeat to New Zealand last year, where Santner and Phillips played a pivotal role.
Beyond this match, the slowing nature of the Dubai pitch will be a key factor as the tournament heads into the knockout stage, making spin an even bigger weapon in the semi-finals and final.