Afghanistan’s victory against England keeps them in contention for a semi-final spot alongside Australia and South Africa. India and New Zealand have already secured their places in the semi-finals from Group A. The upcoming matches will be decisive for the teams in Group B, particularly Afghanistan and Australia, who are battling for advancement. South Africa also holds a chance to qualify depending on their performance against England.
The remarkable victory of Afghanistan over England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has maintained their hopes for a semi-final berth in the Champions Trophy, joining Australia and South Africa in a competitive struggle for Group B. As India and New Zealand have already clinched their spots in the semi-finals from Group A, the competition in Group B remains intense and unresolved.
Afghanistan’s eight-run win over England has eliminated the latter from advancing in the tournament, while Afghanistan still requires further success to secure their own spot in the knockout stages. Their next crucial matchup is against Australia, whose previous game against South Africa ended in a washout, resulting in shared points and leaving the semi-final race open.
To ensure their progression to the semi-finals, Afghanistan needs to shine in their upcoming match against Australia. Despite their recent victory, they sit in third place in Group B, trailing both Australia and South Africa by just one point. A win against Australia on Friday will guarantee their advancement.
Australia, on the other hand, can secure their place in the semi-finals with a victory over Afghanistan. They currently maintain a one-point lead, which ensures their qualification even with a match washout, as was experienced in their clash against South Africa, thus bolstering their position.
South Africa requires a victory in their final group match against England to secure a semi-final opportunity. They also retain a possibility of advancing even if they lose, contingent upon Australia defeating Afghanistan. However, should England triumph while Afghanistan prevails over Australia, South Africa may confront a challenging position regarding Net Run Rate (NRR) based on subsequent match outcomes.
The battle for the semi-finals in the Champions Trophy remains fiercely contested within Group B, particularly among Afghanistan, Australia, and South Africa. Afghanistan must win against Australia to qualify, while Australia can confirm their advancement with a victory, and South Africa can progress depending on the results of their match against England. The excitement and uncertainty surrounding these vital fixtures will ultimately determine who advances to the knockout stages.
Original Source: ddnews.gov.in
