Explained: How can Afghanistan still qualify for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals

Afghanistan’s final group stage match against Australia was washed out due to rain.

The ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is coming close to the end of group stage with only two matches remaining. The second last Group B match between Afghanistan and Australia ended without a result as rain played spoilsport on Friday in Lahore.

As a result, both teams shared one point each, with Australia qualifying for the semi-finals with four points, while Afghanistan remained third in the group standings behind South Africa with three points, but with a poor Net Run Rate (NRR) as compared to the second-positioned Proteas.

After winning the toss and batting first, Afghanistan scored 273, thanks to half-centuries from Sediqullah Atal (85) and Azmatullah Omarzai (67). They lost wickets regularly in the middle overs, but were powered to a respectable total by all-rounder Omarzai’s strong finish.

In reply, Australia seemed to be cruising towards the target at 109/1 in 12.5 overs when rain halted play. Despite rigorous efforts from the groundsmen, the playing area was not ready in time, resulting in the game being called off and one point each being awarded to the both participating teams. Notably, at least 20 overs were required in the second innings to determine winners.

The result has left Afghanistan’s hopes hanging by a thread. They are now tied with South Africa with three points, but their NRR of -0.99 is far inferior to the Proteas’ +2.14. The only positive for Afghanistan is that they are mathematically still in contention to qualify for the semi-finals ahead of South Africa.

How can Afghanistan still qualify for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals

Afghanistan will now have to rely on England to defeat South Africa by at least 207 runs if they bat first in their match in Rawalpindi on Saturday. If England bat second, Afghanistan would need them to chase the target within 11.1 overs (assuming a first-innings total of 300 in both cases).

Despite their slim chances of reaching the semi-finals, Afghanistan will take great pride and courage from their campaign. Their rise in international cricket has been remarkable, the Asian underdogs finished sixth in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 before reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.