Scenario for Afghanistan to reach semi-finals of Champions Trophy 2025

Afghanistan's hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 suffered a major blow on Friday, as their crucial match against Australia was called off due to rain at the Gaddafi Stadium. The result, or lack of it, has significantly reduced Afghanistan's chances of progressing in the tournament.

Australia, on the other hand, secured a spot in the semi-finals after two of their recent matches ended without a result. With four points, they became the first team from Group B to qualify for the Final Four.

Afghanistan still has a slim chance of making it to the semi-finals, but it depends on the outcome of the ongoing match between South Africa and England. For Afghanistan to qualify, South Africa must lose to England by at least 207 runs while chasing a target of 301. This difficult scenario makes Afghanistan’s hopes of advancing extremely unlikely.

England must win by a margin of at least 207 runs. If England wins by just 206 runs, Afghanistan and South Africa will have the same net run rate (NRR). In that case, South Africa would qualify due to their head-to-head victory over Afghanistan.

The washout in Lahore has almost decided the semi-final teams from Group B, leaving Afghanistan with very little chance of advancing further in the tournament.

In the ongoing match between England and South Africa, England chose to bat first after winning the toss.