Champions Trophy 2025: Semifinal Qualification Scenarios: How Group B Stands

Afghanistan keeps its semifinal hopes alive; Australia, South Africa battle for a spot, while England faces an early exit.

February 27, 2024: Afghanistan’s Victory Over England Shakes Up Group B Semifinal Race

Afghanistan scripted history with an eight-run win over England, securing its first-ever victory in the ICC Champions Trophy. This crucial triumph has knocked England out of the tournament and intensified the battle for semifinal spots in Group B.

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Afghanistan’s Record-Breaking Win Over England

In a thrilling encounter, Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking 177 powered Afghanistan to 325/7 in 50 overs. In response, Joe Root’s valiant 120 kept England in the hunt, but Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul (5/58) and Mohammad Nabi’s (2/57) spell ensured Afghanistan’s defense was successful.

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This is Afghanistan’s second consecutive ODI win over England, following their victory in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, India and New Zealand have already booked their semifinal spots from Group A.

Champions Trophy 2025 Group B Qualification Scenarios

✅ South Africa (3 Points, 1 Match Left)

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• A win against England will secure a semifinal spot for the Proteas.
• If they lose to England, they will remain at three points and will need Australia to lose to Afghanistan while ensuring their net run rate (NRR) stays higher than Australia’s.

✅ Australia (3 Points, 1 Match Left)

• A win against Afghanistan will confirm their semifinal spot.
• A loss could be costly, as they would then need South Africa to lose by a big margin to England to surpass them on NRR.

✅ Afghanistan (2 Points, 1 Match Left)

• A win against Australia will take them to four points and straight into the semifinals.
• A loss will eliminate them from the competition.

❌ England (0 Points, Eliminated)

• England has lost both of their games and is officially out of the semifinal race.
• Their final match against South Africa holds no significance for them but is a must-win game for South Africa.

What’s Next?

With just one match left for each team in Group B, the semifinal race remains wide open. Australia and South Africa have the upper hand, but Afghanistan’s fate is in their own hands. Can they pull off another upset and qualify for the semifinals for the first time?

Stay tuned for more updates on Champions Trophy 2025!

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Champions Trophy 2025, Afghanistan vs England, ICC Champions Trophy semifinal, Group B standings, Cricket qualification scenarios, South Africa cricket, Australia cricket, England eliminated, Afghanistan cricket, Joe Root