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

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1 year ago

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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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Cricket

ICC Team to Visit Sri Lanka Amid Cricket Administration Shake-Up

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May 15, 2026

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A delegation from the International Cricket Council (ICC), including a senior representative linked to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka this weekend as attention grows over recent changes to the country’s cricket administration.

According to India’s Press Trust of India (PTI), ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja is expected in Colombo on Friday night, with another top ICC official who also serves in a leading capacity within the BCCI due to arrive on Saturday.

The visit comes in the wake of the Sri Lankan government’s decision to appoint an interim committee to manage the affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following the resignation of its leadership.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage confirmed during a televised interview that discussions with ICC representatives are expected to take place in the coming days regarding the future direction of cricket administration in the country.

The newly appointed nine-member interim body was established on April 29 after SLC President Shammi Silva and members of the Executive Committee stepped down from office.
Government officials say the temporary panel will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day cricket operations, introducing administrative reforms, and preparing the groundwork for fresh elections within Sri Lanka Cricket.

The ICC visit is expected to focus on governance issues, the transition process, and the stability of cricket administration during the interim period.

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Cricket

LPL 2026 Opening Game between Jaffna and Galle

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5 hours ago

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May 15, 2026

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The inaugural game of the Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played between the Jaffna and Galle teams, who emerged as the Champions and Runners-up respectively in the 2024 season.

The opening game is scheduled to be played on 17th July at the SSC Grounds, commencing at
7.30 p.m.

Prior to the start of the tournament opener, a spectacular opening ceremony will be held at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.
The Lanka Premier League 2026 will be played from 17th July to 8th August across four venues: SSC, Colombo; RDICS, Dambulla; PICS, Pallekele; and RPICS, Colombo.

The tournament is conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the owner of the LPL, in partnership with The IPG Group, the event rights holder.

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RCB Bring in Gleeson After Thushara Exit; CSK Add Kuldip as Injury Cover

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6 hours ago

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May 15, 2026

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have roped in experienced England pacer Richard Gleeson as a replacement for Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara ahead of the IPL 2026 Knockouts.

Thushara was unable to join the Bengaluru franchise after failing to secure a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket. The board reportedly withheld approval because the pacer did not meet the required fitness benchmarks set by the national setup.

RCB have signed Gleeson for INR 1.6 crore. The 38-year-old seamer brings previous IPL experience, having represented both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in recent seasons. Gleeson featured in two matches for Chennai in 2024 and made a single appearance for Mumbai in the 2025 campaign. He has also represented England in nine T20 Internationals.

Thushara, who was bought by RCB for the same amount in 2025, played one game during the franchise’s championship-winning run last season. Despite being retained for IPL 2026, his participation was blocked after the NOC issue emerged.

The Sri Lankan quick had initially taken legal action against the cricket board regarding the matter, but later withdrew the case and issued a written apology. Court documents reportedly indicated that Thushara had considered stepping away from international cricket, although no final decision on his future has yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have announced Indian pacer Kuldip Yadav as a replacement for injured left-arm fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed.

Khaleel’s season was cut short after he suffered a right quadricep injury during Chennai’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. Before the setback, he had claimed two wickets in five appearances while maintaining an economy rate of 8.67.

Kuldip, a right-arm pacer, previously represented Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, making three appearances across the 2021 and 2023 seasons. Chennai have secured his services for INR 30 lakh.

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