ICC Champions Trophy 2025: After India's win to Bangladesh, how the qualification for semis looks like now?
Xtra Time Web Desk: As the first round of matches in Group A is over, there is a lot going on in the points table. After New Zealand's victory over Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday with India winning Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday, New Zealand tops the chart in points table.
Currently, New Zealand is at the top of the table with 2 points having NRR +1.200 followed by India (2 points, NRR +0.408). Bangladesh are third in the table from Group A having no points, NRR -0.408 while Pakistan are fourth (0 points, NRR - 1.200).
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The next round matches is going to be start soon with India facing Pakistan on February 23, Pakistan facing Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi and New Zealand to play against India and Bangladesh on February 24. I
With possibility of observing changes in the point table, here is the qualification scenario for semis of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The equation is simple for India and New Zealand. If they win their next matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh respectively, they will qualify for the semi-finals. Even if they lose the next match, they will still have a chance to enter the semi-finals by winning the last game where they will face each other.
The scenario is ofcourse a bit tricky for Pakistan and Bangladesh. Their next matches are almost do-or-die. A loss could knock them out, while a win will only take them to two points. It will not take them to the semi-finals but will keep them alive. If Pakistan win their next match (vs India) and Bangladesh win vs New Zealand, then the matches between the two teams on February 27 will be virtual quarter-final.
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There is another possibility, three of the four teams can remain on one win each too. E.g. New Zealand lose to India and Bangladesh. Then, Pakistan lose to India but win against Bangladesh. In that scenario, India will be on six points but New Zealand, Bangladesh and Pakistan will be on two points each. In such a scenario, the second semifinalist will be decided by run rate.
All eyes will be on the match results that will lead changes in point tables.
