Cricket fans are in for even more excitement as the knockout stage of the Champions Trophy 2025 begins on February 4. The first semi-final will be played between India and Australia at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, the biggest question is what will happen if rain disrupts the semi-final. Which team will qualify for the final, and what are the ICC’s rules for knockout matches this time?
What Happens if the India vs Australia Semi-Final is Canceled?
Rain has had a unique connection with Australia in the Champions Trophy. In the last two editions, three of Australia’s matches were washed out due to rain. This time as well, one of Australia’s matches was canceled due to weather conditions. Fans are concerned that if rain affects the semi-final, which team will suffer the consequences.
To address such situations, the ICC has introduced a reserve day for both semi-finals. However, every effort will be made to complete the match on the scheduled day. If that is not possible, the match will resume from the same point on the reserve day.
If the India vs Australia semi-final cannot be completed on March 4, the reserve day on March 5 will be used. According to the Duckworth-Lewis rule, for a result to be declared, the team batting second must play at least 25 overs. In the group stage, the requirement is only 20 overs. However, if the match remains incomplete even on the reserve day, then the team that finished higher in the group stage will qualify for the final. Since India topped the group stage, they will advance to the final in case of a washed-out match.
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Reserve Day for South Africa vs New Zealand Semi-Final
The second Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final will be played between South Africa and New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. A reserve day on March 6 has been allocated for this match. If the match cannot be completed due to rain, South Africa will qualify for the final, as they finished at the top of Group B, while New Zealand was second in Group A.