ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Points table and qualification scenarios

The competition is intensifying as the 'mini-World Cup' races towards the semi-final stage. Scheduled to be a short tournament, three teams have already been eliminated from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Group A ran through a fairly seamless path as India and New Zealand earned qualifications with consecutive victories over Bangladesh and the hosts, Pakistan. However, the thrill remains top-notch in Group B, where doors remain open for three teams, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan. England, in yet another disappointing run in an ICC tournament, was eliminated after an edge-of-the-seat clash against Afghanistan in their second group-stage fixture.

ICC Champions Trophy: Group A standings ahead of India vs New Zealand

Group A kicked off the ICC Champions Trophy action in Karachi. A clear view of the standings was gauged in the Pakistan vs New Zealand opener itself. The hosts and the defending champions endured their third straight defeat in a week after they lost the ODI tri-series title to the Kiwis. To announce their stature, the Mitchell Santner-led team started their ICC Champions Trophy campaign with a 60-run victory over Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan's shortcomings came to light as their campaign dwindled right at the start. India, on the back of a commanding 3-0 whitewash against England, started the Champions Trophy with a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dubai.

The action then focused on the much-awaited India vs Pakistan rivalry. However, as hyped as the rivalry is, Pakistan was no match for the in-form Men in Blue. All it took was Virat Kohli to reclaim his form, as the chase master scored his 82nd international ton for India to register a six-wicket win over the arch-rivals. Pakistan was virtually knocked out of the tournament following the disheartening defeat against their neighbours. The confirmation, however, arrived the next day when New Zealand beat Bangladesh to collect their second win at the group stage. With the Kiwis' victory, Bangladesh and Pakistan were sent packing out of the competition.

Now, India, with four points, sits atop the Group A standings, with New Zealand following with the same number of points. However, the Men in Blue currently boast a superior net run rate in the group. Pakistan vs Bangladesh, a dead rubber in the context of the tournament, was washed out due to incessant rain in Rawalpindi. The hosts, thus, remain winless in their supposed title-defending tournament. The last group-stage match is India vs New Zealand. While both have qualified, this contest between the two equals would determine the group standings. Whoever wins would qualify as Group A’s topper, scheduled to face the second semi-finalist from Group B.

Group B qualification scenarios and standings at the ICC Champions Trophy

While Group A is sorted, Group B has a thrilling schedule lined up ahead. South Africa started with a massive 107-run victory over Afghanistan, swiftly claiming the top spot in the group. Meanwhile, England, despite setting a momentous 352-run chase for Australia, lost their tournament opener to the Kangaroos. The competition intensified after the Australia vs South Africa fixture was washed out in Rawalpindi. While the Proteas and the Kangaroos earned a point each, the washout turned the remaining fixtures into knockout matches.

For England to qualify, they simply needed to win their remaining fixtures against Afghanistan and South Africa. However, even a single defeat, which eventually arrived in a nail-biting encounter against Afghanistan, was enough to send them packing. Now, the competition remains among South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan, as two semi-final spots remain open at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 edition.

South Africa, currently, are the favourites to qualify from Group B. A win against England in their last group-stage battle would be enough to seal their place. Australia, with three points, would go through directly if they manage to overcome Afghanistan. However, if Afghanistan wins their last remaining clash against the Kangaroos, they will join South Africa to advance as the semi-finalists from Group B. Australia's only chance for qualification, if Afghanistan beats them, would depend on England. The Kangaroos would hope for England to beat the Proteas by a huge margin, big enough to push South Africa's net run rate lower than Australia's.

Potential Champions Trophy semi-final fixtures

If Australia and South Africa secure victories in their group-stage matches while India triumphs over New Zealand, Rohit Sharma's side could face Australia in Dubai next Tuesday. However, should India finish second in Group B, they will go up against South Africa in the semifinals. Conversely, if Afghanistan pull off an upset against Australia and England endure a third consecutive defeat, India, after topping Group A, will square off against their Asian counterparts. Meanwhile, a New Zealand win over India on Sunday would lead to the same Group A standings, setting up a semifinal clash between India and South Africa.