ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Presenting the statistical preview of semi-finals
What's the story
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has entered its semi-final stage with four of the best teams- India, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. The first semi-final will be played on March 4 at Dubai International Stadium where India will battle it out with Australia. The second clash will be played on March 5 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium with New Zealand taking on South Africa. Here is a look at the statistical preview.
Team performance
Path to the semi-finals: A recap
India and New Zealand qualified for the semi-finals after winning their first two matches in Group A. India finished on top after defeating New Zealand. South Africa topped Group B with five points after defeating England and Afghanistan and a no-result against Australia. Australia also qualified after defeating England in their opener and two no-results. Hence, NZ are the only semi-finalist with a defeat in this competition.
Final
Champions Trophy final: Venue and reserve days
The Champions Trophy final will be played on March 9, with the venue still to be determined. If India make it to the final, it will be played in Dubai, else it will be hosted at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Notably, all of India's matches are being played in Dubai due to the political tension with Pakistan. Both the semi-finals and final have reserve days to ensure uninterrupted gameplay.
H2H
India vs Australia: Head to head record
As per ESPNcricinfo, a total of 151 ODIs have been played between Australia and India. The Aussies have a massive lead with 84 wins in comparison to India's 57 victories. As many as 10 matches finished inconclusively. They have faced each other three times in concluded CT matches, with India prevailing twice. The 2023 World Cup final marked the preceding ODI meeting between the two teams. Australia returned with a comprehensive win.
H2H
NZ vs SA: Head to head record
New Zealand and South Africa have met each other in 73 ODI clashes, with South Africa owning the superior record over the Kiwis. The Proteas have won 42 games in comparison to NZ's 26 victories. Five matches have ended inconclusively. The two teams have met twice in CT and have registered one win apiece. Earlier this month, the two teams met in Lahore for a tri-series match. The Kiwis recorded a six-wicket win.
Stats
Key players for IND-AUS clash
Shreyas Iyer has been in spectacular form for India as his last six ODI scores read 78, 44, 59, 15, 56, and 79. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has four 50-plus scores in his last six outings. This includes two tons. Varun Chakravarthy and Mohammed Shami have claimed fifers for India in this tourney. Josh Inglis made 120* off just 86 balls in Australia's tournament opener against England. Alex Carey and Travis Head also own half-centuries in this tourney.
Stats
Key players for NZ-SA clash
While Ryan Rickelton starred with a ton in SA's opener, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram made half-centuries. Rassie managed a fifty against England as well. Heinrich Klaasen has scored a fifty in each of his last five ODIs. Will Young, Tom Latham, and Rachin Ravindra are NZ's centurions in this competition. Matt Henry took five wickets in his last outing. William O'Rourke took four wickets against Bangladesh.