The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group B semi-final race has become more intense after the Australia vs South Africa match was abandoned due to rain. The washout has added more excitement, keeping all four teams in contention for the semi-finals.
Australia vs South Africa Match Abandoned
The seventh ICC Champions Trophy match between Australia and South Africa, scheduled for Tuesday in Rawalpindi, was called off without a ball being bowled due to continuous rain. As a result, both teams received one crucial point each.
From Group A, India and New Zealand have already booked their places in the semi-finals. However, in Group B, the battle for the knockout stage is still wide open, with South Africa, Australia, England, and Afghanistan all fighting for the remaining spots.
Group B Points Table
- South Africa – 3 points (Top position due to a better net run rate)
- Australia – 3 points
- England – 0 points
- Afghanistan – 0 points
Each team plays three group matches, and the top two teams will qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals.
Semi-Final Qualification Scenarios for Group B Teams
South Africa's Road to the Semi-Finals
- A victory against England on Saturday will ensure their semi-final qualification.
- If South Africa lose, they can still qualify, but they will need England to lose their final match against Afghanistan.
Australia's Semi-Final Chances
- The two-time ICC Champions Trophy winners, Australia, will qualify directly if they defeat Afghanistan in their final group match.
- If Australia lose, they will have to rely on South Africa beating England to advance.
England's Tough Road Ahead
- With Jos Buttler leading, England suffered a five-wicket defeat against Australia in their opening match.
- To qualify, England must win both of their remaining matches against Afghanistan and South Africa.
- The England vs Afghanistan match on Wednesday is crucial, as a victory could keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Afghanistan's Semi-Final Hopes
- Afghanistan, playing in their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy, still has a chance to qualify.
- They must win both their remaining matches against Australia and England.
- A single defeat will eliminate them from the tournament.
Conclusion
With only a few matches left in the group stage, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final race in Group B is heating up. While South Africa and Australia are in a strong position, England and Afghanistan are still in the hunt. The upcoming matches will determine who survives this thrilling battle for a spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals.
