 "Check out the semi-final chances for England, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan. Image: Reuters")
The much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 clash between Australia and South Africa was abandoned due to persistent rain in Rawalpindi, leaving both teams with a shared point. The Group B points table did not change much as both South Africa and Australia continue to occupy the top two spots respectively. Meanwhile, India and New Zealand have already secured their semifinal berths from Group A, leaving the Group B teams still in contention as they await their fate.
With Group B now wide open, the race for the semi-finals has become even more intense. Here’s how the Australia vs South Africa washout impacts each team’s qualification chances:
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South Africa in driver’s seat
South Africa find themselves in a strong position despite the washout. Their dominant 107-run victory over Afghanistan gave them a massive boost in Net Run Rate (NRR), currently at +2.140. A win against England in their final group game will guarantee them a spot in the semi-finals.
Even if they lose to England, South Africa can still qualify, provided England doesn’t manage to win both of their remaining fixtures. Their superior NRR gives them an additional advantage in case of a tiebreaker.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAustralia still favourites to qualify
As two-time Champions Trophy winners, Australia are still very much alive in the race. A victory against Afghanistan in their final group-stage match will confirm their semi-final berth.
However, if they suffer a defeat against Afghanistan, they will have to rely on South Africa defeating England in order to progress.
England face must-win situation
Jos Buttler’s side finds itself in a knockout-like scenario after their loss to Australia in the opening fixture. England must win both of their remaining matches, against Afghanistan and South Africa, to stay alive in the competition.
The upcoming clash against Afghanistan on Wednesday is particularly crucial. If they fail to secure a victory, their semi-final hopes will be over.
Afghanistan in do-or-die battle
A crushing defeat to South Africa placed Afghanistan at the bottom of the Group B standings. They now face a daunting task: winning against both England and Australia. Only by defeating both teams can Afghanistan stand a chance of making it to the semi-finals. Anything less, and their campaign will end in the group stage.