The ninth edition of the Champions Trophy has reached a thrilling climax as teams gear up for the knockout stages. Following an intense series of 12 group-stage matches, the tournament now advances to the semi-finals. India and New Zealand have progressed from Group A, while Australia and South Africa have emerged victorious from Group B. These powerhouses are set to clash in what promises to be an exhilarating showdown on Tuesday, 4 March, and Wednesday, 5 March.
The semi-finals will be hosted at two iconic cricket venues: the Dubai International Stadium and the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With a minimum of 25 overs per side required to constitute a match, cricket enthusiasts can expect a display of top-tier performances. The final match is scheduled for Sunday, 9 March, with the location contingent upon India's participation. Should India reach the final, it will unfold in Dubai; otherwise, Lahore will host the decisive encounter.
Broadcasting services are ensuring fans worldwide do not miss a moment of the action. The BBC Sport website and app will deliver live text commentary for every match, along with in-play and post-match video highlights. In addition, ball-by-ball commentary will be accessible on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and the BBC Sport website and app. For audiences in the UK, Sky Sports will provide live coverage of the final.
Fans can also stay updated through social media channels, with live broadcasts available via BBC Cricket's Instagram and WhatsApp accounts. The esteemed members of Test Match Special, including Jonathan Agnew, Aatif Nawaz, Vic Marks, and Alex Hartley, will enrich the commentary experience with their expert insights.
As the tournament approaches its conclusion, it is worth reflecting on the illustrious history of previous winners. South Africa, New Zealand, India and Sri Lanka (as co-champions), West Indies, Australia (twice), India again, and Pakistan have all claimed the prestigious title in past editions. This year's competition has already delivered high-quality cricket, with more excitement anticipated in the upcoming matches.
To account for any unforeseen weather interruptions, reserve days have been scheduled for both semi-finals. If necessary, the first semi-final has a reserve day on Wednesday, 5 March, and the second on Thursday, 6 March. This ensures that fans can witness uninterrupted cricket action as teams vie for a place in the final.
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