DUBAI, April 2: Pakistan, who have never won the ICC Champions Trophy, have been drawn with South Africa and New Zealand in Group ‘B’ of the edition to be hosted by India later this year. World champions Australia and hosts India were paired in Group ‘A’ alongside England with the four-team pool to be completed with the side that finishes second following the outcome of a preliminary tournament featuring Champions Trophy holders West Indies.

West Indies will have to finish in the first two from a series of round-robin matches in India against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh if they are to have a chance of defending their title.

In a statement issued from its headquarters, the ICC said it hoped a full tournament schedule would be announced later this month.

However, it did confirm the top two sides from each group would go forward to the semifinals with the final on Nov 5 at an as yet unnamed venue. —Agencies