Cricket
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India & New Zealand Secure Semifinal Spots, Battle Intensifies in Group B
Dubai, February 26, 2025 – The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is heating up as the group stage nears its conclusion. With India and New Zealand confirming their spots in the semifinals from Group A, the battle for qualification in Group B remains wide open. Here’s a breakdown of the current standings and the title favorites.
Group A: New Zealand & India Through, Pakistan & Bangladesh Eliminated
| POS | TEAM | PLAYED | WON | LOST | N/R | TIED | Net RR | POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | New Zealand | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0.863 | 4 |
| Q2 | India | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +0.647 | 4 |
| 3 | Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -0.443 | 0 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | -1.087 | 0 |
India and New Zealand have confirmed their semi-final qualification with two wins each. Pakistan and Bangladesh are officially out of the tournament, marking a disappointing campaign for both teams.
- New Zealand’s Strong Start: With a positive net run rate of +0.863, the Kiwis have dominated both their matches. Their disciplined bowling and experienced batting lineup make them a strong contender.
- India’s Perfect Record: Led by Virat Kohli’s form and a balanced squad, India continues to be a powerhouse in ICC events. Their consistent performances make them a favorite for the title.
- Pakistan’s Collapse: Despite high expectations, Pakistan has failed to register a win, with poor middle-order performances and lackluster bowling proving costly.
- Bangladesh’s Struggles: The Tigers showed glimpses of promise but failed to capitalize on key moments.
Group B: Qualification Race Heats Up
| POS | TEAM | PLAYED | WON | LOST | N/R | TIED | Net RR | POINTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +2.140 | 3 |
| 2 | Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +0.475 | 3 |
| 3 | England | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -0.475 | 0 |
| 4 | Afghanistan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -2.140 | 0 |
- South Africa in Pole Position: With a superior net run rate (+2.140), the Proteas are favorites to qualify for the semifinals.
- Australia Close Behind: The Aussies are tied on points with South Africa but have a lower net run rate. Their next match will be crucial in sealing a semifinal spot.
- England & Afghanistan Need a Win: Both teams have lost their opening games, and a defeat in their next match will likely end their campaign.
Title Favorites: Who Can Go All the Way?
- India 🇮🇳 – Favorites to Win
- Strengths: World-class batting lineup, experienced players like Kohli & Rohit, quality all-rounders.
- Key Players: Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill.
- New Zealand 🇳🇿 – Dark Horse
- Strengths: Consistency in ICC events, solid team balance, strong leadership under Kane Williamson.
- Key Players: Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra.
- South Africa 🇿🇦 – Underdogs with Momentum
- Strengths: Aggressive batting, fast bowling dominance, high net run rate.
- Key Players: Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen.
- Australia 🇦🇺 – Big Match Players
- Strengths: History of performing under pressure, deep batting, quality pacers.
- Key Players: Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell.
What’s Next?
The upcoming Group B matches will decide the final two semifinalists, with South Africa and Australia in strong positions but England and Afghanistan still in the hunt.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sri Lankan Sports TV as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 heads into its thrilling knockout stage!
Cricket
Pakistan Lines Up England, Sri Lanka for ODI Tri-Series Later This Year
Pakistan is preparing to host an ODI tri-series featuring England and Sri Lanka in October–November, adding another major event to an already packed international calendar.
Officials familiar with the discussions say both visiting boards have signaled their willingness to participate. Sri Lanka Cricket has conveyed its confirmation during coordination talks around the upcoming tour, while the England and Wales Cricket Board has also agreed to be part of the tournament. Match dates and venues are expected to be announced soon.
Sri Lanka’s visit is likely to begin with a short T20I series against Pakistan, serving as a prelude to the tri-nation ODI competition. Beyond the limited-overs contests, the tour will extend into the red-ball format, with a two-Test series included under the International Cricket Council World Test Championship 2025–27.
The tentative itinerary places the T20Is in October, followed by the ODI tri-series, and concluding with Test matches in November.
Pakistan heads into these fixtures with momentum in multi-team tournaments, having secured two T20 tri-series titles last year—one in the UAE and another on home soil, where they defeated Sri Lanka in the final.
Prior to the home season, Pakistan will be engaged in Test cricket against Bangladesh. The two-match series, also part of the World Test Championship, will be played across Dhaka and Sylhet in May.
With Shan Masood leading the side, selectors have included several uncapped players in the squad, indicating a focus on building depth as Pakistan approaches a demanding stretch of international assignments.
Cricket
Sri Lanka to Begin Caribbean Tour with ODI Series in June 2026
The Sri Lanka national cricket team is set to embark on a full tour of the West Indies cricket team in June and July 2026, featuring a complete schedule across all three formats of the game.
The tour will open with a three-match One Day International (ODI) series at the renowned Sabina Park. The first ODI is scheduled for June 3, followed by the second on June 6 and the final match on June 8. These opening fixtures are expected to set the tone for the remainder of the tour.
Attention will then shift to the shorter format, with three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) also taking place at Sabina Park. The matches are set for June 11, June 13, and June 14, offering fans a fast-paced contest between the two sides.
Sri Lanka will then travel to Antigua for a four-day warm-up game from June 18 to 21 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. This match will serve as preparation for the longer format of the game.
The two-match Test series will be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The first Test is scheduled from June 25 to 29, while the second Test will take place from July 3 to 7.
Schedule
- June 3 – First ODI at Sabina Park
- June 6 – Second ODI at Sabina Park
- June 8 – Third ODI at Sabina Park
- June 11 – First T20I at Sabina Park
- June 13 – Second T20I at Sabina Park
- June 14 – Third T20I at Sabina Park
- June 18–21 – Four-day warm-up match at Coolidge Cricket Ground
- June 25–29 – First Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
- July 3–7 – Second Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
Cricket
Sri Lanka U-19 Players Face Charges Over Alleged Hotel Recording Incident
Two players from Sri Lanka’s Under-19 cricket squad have been taken into custody allegations that they covertly recorded individuals inside a hotel in the Narahenpita area, according to police.
The arrests came after multiple complaints were lodged by female medical professionals attending a conference at the hotel. The complainants reported that they had been secretly filmed while bathing in their rooms, allegedly using mobile phones.
Authorities revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the suspects may also have captured footage involving male guests at the same premises. Police are continuing inquiries to determine whether any of the recordings were distributed through online platforms.
The suspects were presented before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court and subsequently released on personal bail set at Rs. 500,000 each. Further investigations are ongoing.
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