Champions Trophy: Semi-finals qualification scenarios of Group B
What's the story
The 2025 Champions Trophy cricket match between Australia and South Africa was called off due to rain, with both teams sharing points.
Meanwhile, this unexpected turn of events has drastically changed the qualification scenarios for the semi-finals in Group B.
The fate of each team now hangs on their final group-stage matches, with South Africa and Australia having slightly better chances if they manage to secure wins.
Additionally, Afghanistan and England face off today (February 26) at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Group standings
South Africa lead Group B, Australia follow
Despite the rain-affected match, South Africa continue to lead Group B with three points.
They are closely followed by Australia, who trail only on net run rate.
The Proteas are in a strong position to advance with one match remaining against England.
A win in this final match would seal their spot in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.
Australia's journey
Australia's qualification depends on final match
Australia's road to the semi-finals also depends on their last group-stage match.
If they beat Afghanistan, they will secure their place in the next round of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.
But if they lose to Afghanistan, things could get tricky for them, as they would then require South Africa to beat England to advance further into the tournament.
Do-or-die
England and Afghanistan face must-win situations
England are in a very precarious position after their defeat to Australia in the tournament opener.
To keep their hopes alive, they need to win both their remaining matches against Afghanistan and South Africa.
Afghanistan, who sit at the bottom of Group B after a defeat to South Africa, also need to win their remaining matches against England and Australia for any chance of qualifying.
Knockout scenarios
Upcoming Group B matches turn into potential elimination games
The unexpected washout has made every upcoming Group B match a potential elimination game.
As mentioned, the crucial match between England and Afghanistan on Wednesday will decide the fate of all four teams in the group.
Notably, if both Australia and South Africa lose their final group matches, the winner of England vs Afghanistan will progress to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.
Table
A look at the current standings in Group B
As mentioned, the Proteas sit atop the table with one win from two games, with a net run rate (NRR) of +2.140, thanks to their 107-run win against Afghanistan.
SA are closely followed by Australia, who too have one of their two games, and share three points with SA after their rain-washed game. Their NRR is +0.475.
England and Afghanistan are placed third and fourth respectively based on their NRR.
Afghanistan have a -2.140 NRR, while England's NRR is -0.475.