Afghanistan must rely on England defeating South Africa by a substantial margin to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals. With both teams at three points, Afghanistan’s advancement depends on England’s performance in the final group match. If England fails to win or does so inadequately, Afghanistan will be out of the tournament.
As the group stages of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 near completion, several teams have already secured their positions in the semi-finals, while others face uncertainty. Afghanistan recently faced Australia in their final Group B match, however, due to continuous rain, the match was abandoned. Afghanistan set a total of 273 runs, with Sediqullah Atal contributing 85 runs off 95 balls, and Azmatullah Omarzai supporting with 67 runs off 63 balls. The rain interruption saw Australia at 109 for 1 in 12.5 overs, resulting in points being shared; Australia advanced with four points to the next stage.
Currently, Afghanistan and South Africa stand tied at three points each, but South Africa holds a significantly better net run rate. For Afghanistan to maintain hopes of progressing in the tournament, a favorable outcome in the England versus South Africa match is crucial. The Sporting News provides insights into Afghanistan’s qualification possibilities as they aim for a place in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy.
To ensure Afghanistan’s progression to the semi-finals, England must defeat South Africa by a considerable margin enabling Afghanistan to surpass South Africa’s net run rate. Specifically, England must win by 207 runs if they bat first, or successfully chase South Africa’s score within 11.1 overs should their total exceed 300 runs.
Conversely, Afghanistan will be eliminated from the tournament under several circumstances: should England lose to South Africa; should they win but by a margin insufficient to change the net run rate by 207 runs; or if they fail to chase down South Africa’s total in the required overs.
Afghanistan’s chances of qualifying for the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals hinge on England’s performance against South Africa. They need a significant victory from England to improve their net run rate. If England does not deliver a win by the necessary margin or loses the match, Afghanistan’s dreams of progressing will end.
Original Source: www.sportingnews.com
