South Africa and Australia, both from Group B in the Champions Trophy, are set to train at the ICC Academy in Dubai prior to their semifinal matches. This arrangement holds regardless of whether their respective semifinal game will be held in Dubai.
The first semifinal is scheduled to take place in Dubai on Tuesday, March 4th, while the second semifinal will be held in Lahore the following day.
This decision was made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to the uncertain situation in Group A. The final standings of teams in Group A will only be determined after the conclusion of the ongoing match between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DIC).
According to an internal ICC communication to teams, “This means we will not know which team (B1 or B2) will need to travel to Dubai until the New Zealand v India match concludes on March 2nd.” The ICC note further stated, “As a result, to ensure fairness and provide as much preparation time as possible for all teams, both teams advancing to the semifinals from Group B will travel to Dubai the day after their last group match in Pakistan.”
This adjustment was necessary because of the pre-tournament hybrid format which allowed the Indian team to play their semifinal, and the final if they qualify, in Dubai.
As per the plan, Australia, who finished second in their league matches in Lahore on Friday, February 28th, have already arrived in Dubai. The team, led by Steve Smith, arrived via a chartered flight around noon on Saturday, March 1st. Having finished second, they are set to play against the winner of the India-New Zealand match. Practice has been arranged for the Australian team at the ICC Academy on Sunday.
South Africa, who topped Group B by defeating England in Karachi on Saturday, March 1st, are expected to reach Dubai within a few hours. South Africa is scheduled to practice at the ICC Academy on Monday, March 3rd. In Dubai, both teams will be accommodated at the Meydan Hotel.
The ICC note specified, “The team from group B that is confirmed to participate in the semifinal in Dubai will be provided a training session on Monday, March 3rd, with the opportunity to train at DICS.” It was also mentioned that India, who will play their semifinal on Tuesday, March 4th, are unlikely to train on Monday.
Furthermore, “The team from group B that is confirmed to participate in the Lahore semifinal will travel from Dubai to Lahore on Monday, March 3rd by EK622 departing Dubai at 21:50,” the note added. New Zealand is also expected to accompany them on this flight.
Both teams participating in the Lahore semifinal will have a training session on Tuesday, March 4th, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
