The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has reached its business end, with India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa qualifying for the semifinals.

All four teams are former winners of the showpiece tournament and will be keen to add another ICC title to their trophy cabinet.

While India will face Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday (March 4), New Zealand and South Africa will square off in the second semi-final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore a day later.

Ahead of the knockout-stage, Proteas legend AB de Villiers has predicted that the two teams that will advance to the title clash will be the same as the T20 World Cup last year.

India and South Africa had played the final of T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados, where the former emerged victories by seven runs.

“It’s tough to say (the two finalists of Champions Trophy) but my gut feel says India-South Africa – same as the T20 World Cup final," De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

“I think we might see that happen again. I think we are going to see South Africa in the final. The win against England would have given South Africa a lot of confidence," he added.

South Africa progressed to the semis after winning two matches of the group-stage with one being abandoned due to inclement weather. They thrashed Afghanistan and England while their game against Australia was a complete washout.

De Villiers is impressed with South Africa’s performance in the ongoing competition. “I just like the look of the team. Marco Jansen in great form, the likes of Klaasen in form, Rassie van der Dussen, Keshav Maharaj. I love the look of Wiaan Mulder – very handy allrounder. It will be nice to get that final again. I think it’s always a great final to watch India and South Africa," the former South African captain said.

“But you definitely can’t count out New Zealand and Australia – two powerhouse teams. Especially, the Aussies, when it comes to ICC trophies, they always seem to knock on the door," he remarked.