Champions Trophy semifinal preview: Challenges for the teams

Semi-final stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence from 4th of March 2025, with the first semi-final between India and Australia, and the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand. Let’s take a look at the Champions Trophy semifinal preview, challenges for the teams. 

Selection Issue for India

Varun Chakaravarthy’s maiden five-wicket haul in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has made him a strong contender for the playing XI in the upcoming matches. Rohit Sharma acknowledged Chakaravarthy’s unique skill set, adding that his inclusion would be a tough call with the team’s lineup already strong. India having played all their group matches in Dubai, the coaching staff will decide how to best balance their spin-heavy strategy for the knockout game. The selection challenge will prove to be a headache for the coaching staff and the management. 

Australia’s Injury Challenges

Matthew Short is the latest player from the Aussie squad to face another injury, apart from him Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc ruled themselves out, Marcus Stoinis retired from ODI format, and Hazlewood and Marsh add to the misery with unwanted injuries. Half of their strong squad will be missed as they are now set to face the spin attack from the Indian side in their semi-final clash on 4th March, 2025. 

South Africa’s ICC Curse

1998 was the year when South Africa had won the ICC Knockout Trophy, since then South Africa has failed to win an ICC Trophy. A latest example is their defeat in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup Final defeat against team India, this year they have two ICC trophies in reach. A Champions Trophy and ICC World Test Championship, currently they are in Semi-final 2 set to face New Zealand, and they are in the final of the ICC World Test Championship set to face Australia after the Champions Trophy ends. 

New Zealand’s Adversity

New Zealand’s record in the Champions Trophy stands at 2-1, although they gave a tough fight to India, they were bundled up for 205, as India won by 44 runs. New Zealand has a formidable squad to be named strong contenders for the title, but, if they win against South Africa in the semi-final 2, they will face India or Australia in the final of Champions Trophy 2025. 

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