The stage is set for the thrilling semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the final group stage match between India and New Zealand determining the schedule for the next round. On March 2, in Dubai, Team India secured a 44-run victory, not only winning the match but also claiming the top spot in Group A. As a result, the semifinal lineup is now confirmed, with India facing off against Australia on March 4 in Dubai, while New Zealand will take on South Africa on March 5 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
What’s fascinating is the eerie similarity between the current semifinal schedule and that of the 2015 ICC One-Day International World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The same four teams – India, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa – have made it to the semifinals, and the schedule is identical to the one in 2015. Back then, India clashed with Australia, and New Zealand faced South Africa in the semifinals. This raises an interesting question: which two teams will manage to secure a spot in the final this time around?
History doesn’t seem to be on India’s side, as they suffered a defeat at the hands of Australia in the 2015 World Cup semifinals. New Zealand, on the other hand, had beaten South Africa to advance to the final, where they ultimately lost to Australia. This trend doesn’t bode well for Team India, especially considering their past performances against Australia in ICC ODI events. Since 2015, India has faced Australia twice in knockout games or finals, losing both times. The most recent defeat was in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final, where Australia emerged victorious, leaving India and its fans with a lasting sense of disappointment.
The statistics are clear:
- 2015 World Cup semifinal: Lost to Australia at the SCG
- 2017 Champions Trophy final: Lost to Pakistan at The Oval
- 2019 World Cup semifinal: Lost to New Zealand in Manchester
- 2023 World Cup final: Lost to Australia in Ahmedabad
For India to overcome this trend, they’ll need to pull off a remarkable comeback against Australia, a team that has consistently proven its mettle in ICC knockout matches. Although Australia is missing some of its key players, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, they still pose a significant threat to India’s hopes of advancing to the final. The stage is set for an electrifying semifinal, and only time will tell if India can break the curse and make it to the championship match.