Afghanistan’s spirited victory over England at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday has kept their semi-final hopes alive in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, setting up a gripping contest in Group B alongside Australia and South Africa.
With India and New Zealand having already secured their places in the last four from Group A, the fight for the remaining semi-final slots in Group B is set to go down to the wire.
Afghanistan, Australia, and South Africa are locked in a fierce struggle, with each team’s prospects hinging on their final fixtures.
In a crucial encounter, Afghanistan edged past England by eight runs, eliminating Jos Buttler’s side from the tournament.
However, despite their victory, the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led team still have work to do to confirm their progression.
Meanwhile, Australia and South Africa were forced to split points following a washout on Tuesday, complicating the qualification scenario further.
Afghanistan’s path to the semis
Currently placed third in Group B with a point less than Australia and South Africa, Afghanistan’s fate hinges on their final group-stage fixture.
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They face Australia in Lahore on Friday, a virtual quarter-final that will determine their future. A win will guarantee them a place in the last four, but a defeat will see them bow out of the tournament.
Australia’s road ahead
Steve Smith’s men, who are a point ahead of Afghanistan, can seal their semi-final berth with a victory.
Even in the event of a washout, Australia will advance due to their superior points tally.
However, a defeat will put them in jeopardy, leaving their fate dependent on other results.
South Africa’s qualification scenarios
South Africa will secure qualification with a win against England in their concluding group-stage clash. Should they suffer a defeat and Australia overcome Afghanistan, the Proteas will still progress.
However, if England emerge victorious and Afghanistan upset Australia, South Africa will be drawn into a net run rate (NRR) battle with the Australians to determine the final qualifier.
As the Champions Trophy group stage nears its climax, the high-stakes encounters promise an enthralling conclusion, with Afghanistan, Australia, and South Africa all vying for a coveted place in the semi-finals.
Also read: CT 2025: India reach semis, Pak gets embarrassing early exit
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