Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan's victory has changed the entire equation from Group B to the semi-finals

ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Group B Semi Final Scenario: The ICC Champions Trophy being held in Pakistan and UAE saw a big upset on Wednesday, when Afghanistan defeated England by 8 runs in a thrilling match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Karachi. With this win, Afghanistan has kept its hopes of the Champions Trophy alive, while England's bags are packed. From Group B, Afghanistan, South Africa and Australia are now in the race for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.

The entire equation of the semi-finals changed

After Afghanistan's victory, it has 2 points with one win and one loss in two matches and its net run rate is +0.160. Afghanistan has come to the third position in the points table and has made the maths of the semi-finals interesting, because even if its match is cancelled due to rain, it will still remain in the race. Let us tell you, South Africa is currently at the first position in the table.

South Africa has 3 points with one win in two matches and its net run rate is +2.140. The match between South Africa and Australia was cancelled due to rain. After which both the teams were given one point each. Australia is at the second position in the points table and it has three points in 2 matches, while its net rate is +0.475.

How will South Africa reach the final

South Africa will have to defeat England in its last match to reach the final. Even if this match is cancelled due to rain, the African team will still be in the semi-finals. Because in such a situation it will have four or more points. And only one team, Australia or Afghanistan, can reach four points.

If Afghanistan loses against Australia on February 28, then the match between England and South Africa will be just a formality, because the African team will reach the semi-finals along with Australia. But if Afghanistan defeats Australia, then the African team will have to hope that its defeat against England is not big, so that it remains in a better position than Australia in terms of net run rate.

How will Australia qualify

Australia will have to defeat Afghanistan to reach the semi-finals. Even if Australia's match is cancelled due to rain, Australia will reach the semi-finals. But if Afghanistan defeats Australia by making a big upset, then in such a situation Australia will have to hope that England defeats South Africa by a big margin, so that Australia's net run rate remains better than the African team.

Afghanistan will have to do a miracle

Afghanistan will now have to do a miracle to reach the semi-finals and it will have to win its last match of the league stage against Australia. If the match between Afghanistan and Australia is cancelled due to rain, then Afghanistan will have to hope that England beats South Africa by a big margin, so that Afghanistan's net run rate is better than South Africa.