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ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India & New Zealand Secure Semifinal Spots, Battle Intensifies in Group B

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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

POSTEAMPLAYEDWONLOSTN/RTIEDNet RRPOINTS
Q1New Zealand22000+0.8634
Q2India22000+0.6474
3Bangladesh20200-0.4430
4Pakistan20200-1.0870

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

POSTEAMPLAYEDWONLOSTN/RTIEDNet RRPOINTS
1South Africa21010+2.1403
2Australia21010+0.4753
3England10100-0.4750
4Afghanistan10100-2.1400
  • 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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. South Africa 🇿🇦Underdogs with Momentum
    • Strengths: Aggressive batting, fast bowling dominance, high net run rate.
    • Key Players: Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen.
  4. 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!

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Kamil, Shanaka power Sri Lanka to series-levelling win

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A brilliant unbeaten half-century from Kamil Mishara and a destructive late cameo by Dasun Shanaka guided Sri Lanka to a convincing 37-run victory over West Indies and levelled the three match T20 series.

Sri Lanka recovered strongly after a shaky start to post an imposing 194 for 6. Pathum Nissanka fell early for seven, while captain Kusal Mendis made a quick-fire 31 off 19 balls before becoming one of three wickets claimed by Shamar Joseph. When Pavan Rathnayake was dismissed for one, Sri Lanka were struggling at 43 for 3 inside seven overs.
Mishara then steadied the innings with a mature knock, combining caution with aggression. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 61 from 40 deliveries, striking four fours and three sixes. Kamindu Mendis supported him with 24 before Shanaka launched a spectacular assault in the death overs.

The former captain hammered 58 from only 24 balls, smashing five boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate above 240. His 103-run stand with Mishara completely changed the complexion of the innings and propelled Sri Lanka close to the 200-run mark.

Chasing 195, West Indies suffered an early collapse as Brandon King and skipper Shai Hope were both trapped leg-before wicket inside the first two overs. Shimron Hetmyer (36) and Rovman Powell (43) threatened to keep the visitors in contention with an aggressive partnership, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck at regular intervals.

Dushmantha Chameera delivered a match-winning spell of 3 for 9, while Wanindu Hasaranga picked up three wickets despite conceding runs. Dunith Wellalage claimed two wickets and Maheesh Theekshana added one as West Indies were bowled out for 157 in 18.1 overs.

The victory ensured Sri Lanka squared the series and set up an exciting decider on Monday.

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Wyatt-Hodge Century Powers England Women to Crushing Win Over Sri Lanka

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England Women produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka Women by 87 runs in their opening game of the ICC T20 Cricket world cup 2026 posting a formidable 219 for 1 from their 20 overs.

Opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge starred with a magnificent unbeaten 105 off 62 balls, striking 13 fours and a six at a blistering strike rate of 169.35. She shared a match-defining 135-run opening partnership with Amy Jones, who contributed a fluent 53 from 38 deliveries. England accelerated further in the closing overs through captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, whose unbeaten 46 from just 22 balls helped the hosts finish with an imposing total.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge inspires perfect start at T20 World Cup to underline  England evolution - Yahoo Sports

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain England’s aggressive batting, with Malki Madara claiming the only wicket while conceding 51 runs from her four overs.

Chasing 220, Sri Lanka never recovered from an early collapse. Lauren Bell dismissed Vishmi Gunaratne before Charlie Dean removed captain Chamari Athapaththu, leaving the visitors under pressure. Harshitha Samarawickrama offered brief resistance with a quick-fire 29 off 18 balls, while Nilakshika Silva top-scored with 39 from 33 deliveries.

England’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Freya Kemp delivered the standout performance, taking 4 wickets for 22 runs, including three wickets in the space of four balls to derail Sri Lanka’s middle order.

Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean chipped in with two wickets each as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 132 on the final ball of the innings.

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Chamudi Praboda to Lead Sri Lanka U19 Women on India Tour

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The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has named a 15-member Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s squad for the upcoming tour of India, where the young cricketers will compete in both T20 and One Day formats.

Chamudi Praboda has been appointed captain of the side, while Sanjana Kavindi will serve as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The tour is expected to provide valuable international exposure and competitive experience for the emerging players.

Sri Lanka will play three T20 matches in Chennai on June 22, 24 and 27, followed by three One Day matches in Pondicherry on June 30 and July 3 and 6.

The series will offer Sri Lanka’s young talents an important opportunity to test their skills against strong opposition and gain experience in challenging Indian conditions as they continue their development at international level.

The squad comprises Chamudi Praboda (Captain), Sanjana Kavindi (WK, Vice-Captain), Nethmi Upeksha, Manudi Nanayakkara, Limansa Thilakarathna, Umayangana Peiris, Danodya Sewmini, Nethagi Isuranjali, Pramudi Methsara, Yesali Jithara, Vimoksha Balasooriya, Sanuki Pathirage, Chamodi Herath, Aseni Thalagune and Daria Dissanayaka.

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