Pakistan avoided a match-up with the hosts thanks to their victory over New Zealand on Monday which meant they retained third spot in the official ICC One-Day International (ODI) table. Defeat against New Zealand would have seen Pakistan drop to fourth place.

For the first time in the tournament's history, the seedings for the competition are based on the official ODI ratings with the cut-off date set for Monday.

The new rule means that fifth-placed England will have an opportunity to avenge the recent ODI defeat to Sri Lanka, who are fourth, and will also meet ninth-placed Zimbabwe for the second time in succession in the tournament.

Also facing a rematch will be top seeds Australia, drawn with New Zealand as they were in the 2002 tournament. The third team in their group will be the winners of the forthcoming ICC Six Nations Challenge in the United Arab Emirates in February and March next year.

The fourth group will pit second seeds South Africa against West Indies and Bangladesh.

Matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2004 will be played at The Oval, Edgbaston and Hampshire's Rose Bowl in England from 10 to 25 September.

The winners of each group will progress to straight knock-out semifinals and a final. All matches in the tournament will have a reserve day to allow the games to be completed in the event of bad weather.

GROUPINGS

Pool 1: Australia, New Zealand, Qualifier

Pool 2: South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh

Pool 3: Pakistan, India, Kenya

Pool 4: England, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka