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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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Online Abuse Targets Sri Lanka A Cricketer After Match Incident

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Sri Lanka A player Vishen Halambage has reportedly become the latest victim of online harassment after a match-related confrontation with India A batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi sparked widespread discussion on social media.

The incident occurred during Sri Lanka A’s dramatic Super Over triumph over India A in the Tri-Nation Series on Monday. Footage showing a tense exchange between the two young cricketers quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing significant attention from cricket fans.

Following the match, Halambage’s Instagram account was flooded with critical and abusive messages, with many comments reportedly originating from social media users reacting to the on-field altercation. Unverified reports also suggested that individuals connected to the player were subjected to online harassment.

By Tuesday, Halambage’s Instagram profile appeared to be inaccessible. While some reports indicated that the account may have been blocked or restricted after receiving numerous complaints, the exact reason remains unclear. Neither the player nor Instagram has publicly commented on the matter.

The episode has once again brought attention to the growing issue of online abuse in sport, where athletes particularly younger players can face intense backlash following high-profile incidents. Sports analysts and observers have repeatedly called for greater efforts to curb harassment on digital platforms and promote responsible fan engagement.

The match itself ended in a memorable victory for Sri Lanka A, but the events that followed have shifted attention toward the challenges athletes face beyond the boundary ropes.

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Sri Lanka A prevail in Super Over thriller as tempers flare after dramatic finish

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Sri Lanka A held their nerve to defeat India A in a thrilling Super Over contest in the One-Day Tri-Series in Dambulla, but the dramatic finish was overshadowed by a heated post-match confrontation involving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Vishen Halambage.

After both teams finished level on 265, Sri Lanka A posted 16 runs in the Super Over through aggressive contributions from Avishka Fernando and captain Sahan Arachchige. India A, chasing 17, were restricted to just nine runs as young pacer Kugathas Mathulan delivered under pressure to seal a memorable victory.

The match had already produced plenty of late drama. India A’s Arshad Khan conceded only four runs in the final over of Sri Lanka’s chase when five were required for victory, forcing the contest into a Super Over as fading light added to the tension. Despite concerns over visibility and a scheduled cut-off time, officials allowed play to continue.


Emotions spilled over moments after the Super Over ended. Visuals showed Sri Lanka’s Vishen Halambage and Wanuja Sahan exchanging words with the departing Indian batters. Suryansh Shedge appeared to point his bat towards Halambage before Sooryavanshi turned back and confronted the Sri Lankan player. The exchange quickly escalated, with the two players shoving each other before wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella stepped in to separate them and calm tempers.

Earlier, India A recovered from 125 for 6 thanks to Suryansh Shedge’s 72 and Vipraj Nigam’s 51 to post 265. Sri Lanka A’s chase was anchored by Sadeera Samarawickrama’s superb 93, which kept them in contention before a dramatic final-over finish and eventual Super Over triumph completed a remarkable contest.

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West Indies edge Sri Lanka to clinch series

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West Indies held their nerve in a tense chase to defeat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the final T20I and seal the series at home on Sunday.

Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 169 all out in their allotted 20 overs after several batsmen made useful contributions. Opener Pathum Nissanka provided an early spark with 26 off 17 balls, while Kamil Mishara added 28 and Kamindu Mendis struck 20.

The innings was anchored by all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, whose aggressive 43 from 28 deliveries, featuring six boundaries and a six, lifted Sri Lanka during the closing stages. Wanindu Hasaranga also chipped in with a brisk 21 off 13 balls.

However, Sri Lanka lost wickets at crucial intervals and were unable to fully capitalize on a promising platform. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph starred for the hosts, claiming 5 for 33 in a match-winning spell. He received solid support from Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein and Roston Chase, who shared the remaining wickets.

Chasing 170, West Indies suffered an early setback when captain Shai Hope fell for a duck. Sri Lanka tightened their grip further by reducing the hosts to 53 for 4, with Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana applying pressure through the middle overs.

Shimron Hetmyer counterattacked with 32 off 19 balls before Rovman Powell contributed a valuable 33. The decisive partnership came through Sherfane Rutherford and Holder.

Rutherford remained unbeaten on 54 from 40 deliveries, striking three fours and four sixes, while Holder blasted an unbeaten 21 from just five balls, including three towering sixes.
West Indies reached 170 for 5 with two balls to spare, completing a memorable victory and securing the series after a hard-fought contest between the two sides.

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