After their match against australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was rained out, resulting in both sides receiving one point apiece, afghanistan was given a lifeline in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
 
The Steve Smith-led team will now join india and new zealand in the semi-finals as a consequence of this outcome.  With Travis Head making a rapid half-century while chasing a total of 274 runs, australia was at 109-1 after 12.5 overs and on track for a straightforward victory.  However, because the ground crew neglected to make sure the field was dry and safe to begin play, a 30-minute rainstorm guaranteed that the game would be canceled.  

With nearly an hour remaining before the 20-over match's cutoff time, play was canceled.  It is important to note that if the game had been restarted with only 20 overs, australia would have needed just 14 runs in 7.1 overs.
 
How Can afghanistan Still Qualify For Champions Trophy 2025 SF?
With three points already on the board, the outcome has almost guaranteed that afghanistan still has a narrow chance.  South Africa, who will play england on saturday (March 1) at the National Stadium in Karachi, is tied with them on points.  The Proteas would have been assured of a place in the knockout stages if afghanistan had lost the match.  The two sides will be tied on points at the end of the league stage if england wins Jos Buttler's final game as captain.  But South Africa's Net Run Rate (+2.145) is significantly higher than Afghanistan's (-0.990).
 
Afghanistan must thus defeat south africa by a minimum of 207 runs if they choose to bat first.  The target will need to be chased down in 11.1 overs if england bowls first.  South Africa will qualify if their loss is less significant.  Temba Bavuma will lead the South Africa-England team to the knockout stages if the match is again rained off.
 


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SIBY JEYYA

01/03/2025 08:14 AM