Sun Mar 02 16:57:38 UTC 2025: ## India to Face Australia in Champions Trophy Semi-Final
**Dubai, UAE** – India secured their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals after a convincing 44-run victory over New Zealand in their final group stage match on Sunday. The win, achieved at the Dubai International Stadium, sees India top Group A and set up a rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday, March 3rd.
Spinner Varun Chakravarthy was the star of the show for India, claiming an impressive 5-42, the best bowling figures of the tournament so far. His exceptional performance, including dismissing key New Zealand batsmen like Will Young and Glenn Phillips, bowled out the Black Caps for 205 in 45.3 overs, despite a valiant 81 from Kane Williamson. Shreyas Iyer’s 79 helped India reach a competitive 249/9.
New Zealand will now face South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday, March 4th. Both semi-finals are scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss taking place at 2 PM IST. The thrilling matches promise to be decisive clashes as the tournament heads towards its conclusion.
First Piper 