Champions Trophy 2025: Semi-Final Qualification Scenarios for Australia, Afghanistan & South Africa

The 2025 edition of Champions Trophy is in its final stages with two confirmed semi-finalists. From Group A, it is India and New Zealand who have confirmed their spot in the final four stages of the tournament. Defending champions and the host Pakistan as well as Bangladesh are already out of the tournament. 

In Group B, it is England who have been knocked out of the campaign after their eight-run loss to Afghanistan. This leaves three teams in contention for two spots for a place in the semi-finals of the tournament. ODI World Cup winners Australia along with Afghanistan and South Africa are in the running to make it to the final four stages. 

South Africa began the campaign with 107 run win over Afghanistan. Their second match against Australia was washed out due to rain. Temba Bavuma and his side now take on England in their final match of the campaign. Australia on the other hand have beaten England and will play Afghanistan in their final group game. 

Here are the semi-final qualification scenarios from Group B of Champions Trophy 2025

3- Afghanistan – Two Points from two games, one match left vs Australia 

Hasmatullah Shahidi led Afghanistan side have played two matches and have two points so far. Their run-rate is -0.990 due to their huge loss against South Africa in the first match. Afghanistan needs to win against Australia to make sure they reach four points in a bid to make it to the semi-finals. Loss against Australia will mean that Afghanistan will be the second team to eliminated from the tournament. 

2- Australia – Three points from two games, one match left vs Afghanistan

Steve Smith’s Australian side chased down a huge total against England to win their first match of the campaign. After the washed out game against South Africa they have to avoid defeat against Afghanistan. The last time these two sides met in an ICC event was in the 2024 T20 World Cup which Afghanistan won. Glenn Maxwell scored a terrific double ton for Australia in a pulsating encounter in the 2023 ODI World Cup match in Mumbai. 

1- South Africa – Three points from two games, one match left vs England 

Temba Bavuma and his side have to win against England to guarantee a spot in the semi-finals. If South Africa lose the match to England, and Afghanistan beat Australia then the equation comes down to run-rate. Afghanistan will have four points and both Australia and South Africa will have three points each. 

What if it rains in both or either of Group B matches?

The match between Australia and Afghanistan is set to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. There are predictions of rainfall on Friday, when the match is set to be played. This will be a favorable result for Australia as a second successive wash out will mean they qualify to the semis with four points. Afghanistan on the other hand will be left with three points from three games.

South Africa will play England in Karachi on Saturday, and it is expected to be a pleasant day for cricket. In case the match between Afghanistan and Australia is washed out due to rain then the Afghans will hope that England can do them a favor. South Africa has to lose by a huge margin for Afghanistan to make it through to the semis on their behalf.