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India`s back-to-back wins in the Champions Trophy secure a semi-final spot amid scheduling controversies and strong performances.

India has showcased its prowess in the 2025 Champions Trophy, securing a semi-final berth with back-to-back victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan in Dubai. The Men in Blue began their campaign by successfully chasing down a target of 228 against Bangladesh, finishing the match in the 47th over. This was followed by another stellar performance against arch-rivals Pakistan, where India chased down 241 runs in just 43 overs.

These impressive results have guaranteed India a place in the semi-finals ahead of their final group stage match against New Zealand. However, the scheduling advantage has sparked controversy, as India has played all its matches in Dubai while other teams have had to travel between venues in Pakistan. This hybrid model was necessitated by India`s refusal to travel to Pakistan, leading to criticism from former England captains Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, who pointed out the benefits of playing in a familiar environment. Current England captain Jos Buttler also weighed in on the unique nature of the tournament.

Despite the debate surrounding the scheduling, India`s historical dominance in ODI cricket suggests that their success is not solely reliant on familiar pitches. The team`s consistent lineup and strong performances indicate that while there may be some advantage, it may not be as significant as critics claim.

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