Champions Trophy: There are only a few hours left for the start of ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The first match will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand on 19 February. All the 8 teams participating in this mega event have been divided into two groups and two teams from each group will qualify for the next stage i.e. semi-finals.

Apart from India, Group A has Bangladesh, New Zealand and Pakistan, while Group B has Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa. In such a situation, let us tell you which are the strongest contenders to reach the semi-finals.

South Africa:

The South African team has been showing great cricket continuously for some time. That is why they are considered to be the first team to reach the semi-finals of Champions Trophy 2025 from Group B. There are teams like Australia and England in this group, but a lot is going wrong with them at this time.

Afghanistan:

Afghanistan can be the second team to reach the semi-finals from Group B. Many talented players including Australia's captain have been out of the tournament, while England's performance has not been good in South Asian conditions. In such a situation, Afghanistan can prove to be the dark horse of Group B.

Pakistan:

India's reaching the semi-finals from Group A is considered certain. But apart from these, a tough competition can be seen between Pakistan and New Zealand to reach the next stage. Recently, New Zealand won the tri-series by defeating Pakistan and South Africa on Pakistan's soil. But despite this, the team in green jersey is a stronger contender to reach the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.