Australia secured their place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals from Group B after their match against Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 28. The washout meant Australia moved up to three points, joining South Africa at the top of the table.
Now, the focus shifts to the crucial encounter between South Africa and England, where the Proteas will look to confirm their spot in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s hopes of making it to the knockout stage are hanging by a thread, requiring an extraordinary turn of events.
Afghanistan’s near-impossible path to the semifinals
Afghanistan currently sits at two points with an NRR of -0.99, making qualification nearly impossible. For them to make it through, they need:
- South Africa to lose against England by at least 207 runs while chasing a target of 301—a highly improbable scenario.
- Any other result would eliminate Afghanistan from the tournament.
The odds are heavily stacked against them, and they will need a miraculous England performance to stay in contention.
South Africa’s fate tied to England result
South Africa, who have three points like Australia, can ensure direct qualification by:
- Defeating England, which will take them to five points, allowing them to top Group B and push Australia to second place.
- However, if England wins, South Africa and Afghanistan will both finish on three points, bringing the net run rate (NRR) equation into play.
With a superior NRR of 2.14, South Africa has a strong advantage over Afghanistan. Unless England dominates South Africa by a huge margin, the Proteas are likely to qualify.
Australia’s confirmed knockout berth
- After their match against Afghanistan was washed out, Australia secured four points, guaranteeing a place in the semifinals.
- A win against South Africa would confirm their top spot in Group B, ensuring a favorable semifinal matchup.
What’s next?
With England already eliminated, they will play for pride in their final match under Jos Buttler’s captaincy, as the English skipper has announced his decision to step down.
On the other hand, South Africa needs to avoid a heavy defeat to advance, while Afghanistan remains hopeful for an unlikely miracle.
With high stakes and net run rate calculations in play, the final Group B matches promise intense action and high drama as the race to the semifinals heats up.
