Champions Trophy India Vs New Zealand: Men In Blue's Semi-Final Prospects Based On Win Or Loss Against Kiwis

India are set to play their final group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand on Sunday.

This much-anticipated encounter will not only determine the Group A standings but also decide their semi-final opponents.

Photo Credit: PTI

Regardless of the outcome, India's semi-final will take place in Dubai, a venue that was confirmed prior to the tournament. Meanwhile, New Zealand will play their semi-final in Lahore.

With both teams having already secured a spot in the knockout stage, attention now turns to whether India will top the group or settle for second place. Here are the possible semi-final scenarios based on India's result against New Zealand.

If India defeat New Zealand

A win over New Zealand will ensure India finish as group winners, setting up a semi-final against Australia in Dubai. New Zealand, finishing second, will then face South Africa in Lahore.

Semi-Final 1: India vs Australia in Dubai (March 4)
Semi-Final 2: South Africa vs New Zealand in Lahore (March 5)

If New Zealand defeat India

Should India lose to New Zealand, they will end up second in Group A. Consequently, they will face South Africa in Dubai, while New Zealand, as group leaders, will take on Australia in Lahore.

Semi-Final 1: South Africa vs India in Dubai (March 4)
Semi-Final 2: New Zealand vs Australia in Lahore (March 5)

The Group B standings have already been finalised, with South Africa securing the top spot with five points following their commanding victory over England on Saturday.

Their campaign began with a win against Afghanistan in Karachi, while their match against Australia was abandoned due to rain, resulting in a shared point.

Australia finished second in Group B with four points, as rain washed out their last two group-stage fixtures, earning them a point each time.

Their only completed match was against arch-rivals England, where they secured two crucial points.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Australia travelled to Dubai on Saturday after their qualification was confirmed when their match against Afghanistan was abandoned in Lahore. South Africa will depart for Dubai on Sunday.

However, the final semi-final matchups and venues will only be confirmed following India's match against New Zealand, as India will play in Dubai irrespective of their final group position.

Consequently, either South Africa or Australia will have to return to Lahore to face New Zealand in the semi-finals.

The final of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 will be hosted in either Dubai or Lahore, depending on India's performance. If India win their semi-final, the final will take place in Dubai, whereas if they lose, the title clash will be held in Lahore, Pakistan.