Champions Trophy 2025: Group B qualification scenarios after England knocked out by Afghanistan

England’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has come to an abrupt end following their shocking eight-run loss to Afghanistan on Wednesday. With this result, Group B now has three teams, South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan, fighting for the two semifinal spots. India and New Zealand have already confirmed their semi-final berths from Group A.

Here’s a detailed look at the Group B qualification scenarios ahead of the final group-stage matches, where a dominant Australia will face a confident Afghanistan, while an explosive South Africa will battle a wounded England.

South Africa’s qualification scenario

South Africa currently sit on three points from two matches and have their fate in their own hands. Their final group-stage match is against already-eliminated England. If the Proteas win, they will automatically secure a semifinal spot without depending on any other result.

More from First Cricket

Former New Zealand coach who defeated India in WTC final appointed Andhra Pradesh head coach for Ranji Trophy Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh by six wickets to record commanding win in Asia Cup 2025

However, if South Africa lose to England, their fate will hinge on the outcome of the Australia vs Afghanistan clash. In that case, South Africa will need Australia to beat Afghanistan to qualify. If Afghanistan manage to defeat Australia, then the Proteas will have to rely on a superior net run rate (NRR) to edge past Australia.

Australia’s qualification scenario

Australia also have three points from two games and will face Afghanistan in their final league match. If the Aussies win, they will qualify outright for the semifinals.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

'Won't require surgery...': Real reason behind Jasprit Bumrah's absence from 5th Test revealed in new report

PCB bans players from WCL over India-Pakistan match controversy

However, if Australia lose, they will need England to defeat South Africa to have a chance. But even then, qualification will depend on net run rate, as both Australia and South Africa would be tied on three points. If South Africa’s NRR remains higher incase they go down against England, they will go through instead of Australia.

Afghanistan’s qualification scenario

Afghanistan have two points from two matches and must beat Australia to qualify for the semifinals. Any other result would see them eliminated. A win over Australia would take them to four points, securing their place in the knockout stage regardless of other results.

With England out of contention, the final two matches in Group B will be crucial in determining the semifinalists. South Africa and Australia are in relatively stronger positions, but Afghanistan have a golden opportunity to script history by securing a semifinal berth with a win over the Aussies.