Afghanistan managed to avoid defeat to Australia after the match at Lahore was washed out as 20 overs were not completed in the second innings. Australia has qualified for the semi-finals while Afghanistan’s destiny lies in the hands of England, who will face South Africa in Karachi on Saturday (March 1).
Photo : AP
Afghanistan were handed a lifeline in the 2025 Champions Trophy after their clash against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore was washed out due to rain meaning both teams took one point each. This result has secured the Steve Smith-led side’s place in the semi-final alongside India and New Zealand.
Australia were on course for a comfortable victory as they found themselves at 109-1 in 12.5 overs with Travis Head scoring a quick-fire half-century while chasing a total of 274. However, a spell of 30 minutes of rain ensured the match was washed out as the ground staff failed to ensure the ground was dry and safe to start play. Play was called off with more than an hour left for the cut-off time for a 20-over match. It is worth noting Australia would have needed just 14 runs in 7.1 overs had the match started again and reduced to only 20 overs.
How Can Afghanistan Still Qualify For Champions Trophy 2025 SF?
The result has all but ensured that Afghanistan still have a slimmer of hope as they now have three points on the board. They are equal on points with South Africa, who will face England at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday (March 1). Had Afghanistan lost the match, the Proteas would have been guaranteed a spot in the knockouts.
If England wins Jos Buttler’s last match as captain, the two teams will be level on points after the end of the league stage. However, Afghanistan’s Net Run Rate (-0.990) is far behind South Africa (+2.145).
Hence, Afghanistan need England to beat South Africa by at least 207 runs if they bat first. If England are bowling first, they will need to chase down the target in 11.1 overs. If South Africa loses by a lesser margin, they will qualify. If the South Africa-England match is also washed out, the Temba Bavuma-led will advance to the knockout stages.