The crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between Australia and Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain, sealing Australia’s spot in the semi-finals while making Afghanistan’s path extremely difficult.
Match Summary: Afghanistan’s Solid Score Goes in Vain
In the match held in Lahore, Afghanistan put up a competitive total of 273 runs against Australia. In response, Australia was cruising at 109/1 in 12.5 overs when rain forced the match to be called off. As a result, both teams were awarded one point each, bringing Australia’s total to four points, securing their place in the semi-finals from Group B.
On the other hand, Afghanistan’s points tally moved to three, the same as South Africa, but their semi-final hopes now depend on the outcome of the South Africa vs. England match.
South Africa’s Advantage: The Semi-Final Scenario
The second semi-finalist from Group B will be decided based on today’s match between South Africa and England. South Africa has a clear advantage, needing just a win or even a narrow loss to progress.
Afghanistan’s Slim Chances: What Needs to Happen?
For Afghanistan to qualify, they must rely on England to beat South Africa by a massive margin. Here’s how:
If England sets a 301-run target, they must win by 207 runs to push South Africa’s net run rate below Afghanistan’s. This is an extremely difficult but not impossible scenario.
If England wins by 206 runs, both Afghanistan and South Africa will have the same net run rate, but South Africa will qualify based on their head-to-head victory against Afghanistan earlier in the tournament.
If England chases a target, they must reach 250 runs in 19 overs or 150 runs in just 13.3 overs to reduce South Africa’s net run rate enough to help Afghanistan.
If rain disrupts the England vs. South Africa match, South Africa will get one point, taking their total to four, which will automatically qualify them for the semi-finals.
South Africa’s Golden Opportunity
With all possible outcomes considered, South Africa is in a strong position to secure a semi-final spot. They can qualify by:
Winning against England
Losing, but by less than 207 runs
Earning a point if the match is abandoned due to rain
Who Has Already Qualified?
India and New Zealand have already booked their semi-final spots from Group A.
Australia has secured a semi-final berth from Group B.
The final semi-final spot will go to either South Africa or Afghanistan, with South Africa holding the advantage.
Afghanistan’s journey in the ICC Champions Trophy now hinges on an England victory by an almost unrealistic margin. Meanwhile, South Africa holds the upper hand and will likely join India, New Zealand, and Australia in the semi-finals.
All eyes are now on the England vs. South Africa showdown—will it confirm South Africa’s qualification or produce a miracle for Afghanistan?
