Revealed - How Afghanistan can qualify for Champions Trophy semi-final after Australia match?

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is at the end of its league stage, with three out of four semi-finalists confirmed. Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, are almost out and staring at the exit door but still have a slim chance of making it to the semi-finals, with England needing to defeat South Africa.

The latter half of the Champions Trophy has been impacted by rain, with multiple matches abandoned. Rain played spoilsport during the Group B clash between Australia and Afghanistan in Lahore on Friday, February 28. With both teams sharing one point, Australia secured their place in the semi-finals.

Champions Trophy Clash Between Afghanistan and Australia Ended Without a Result

The Afghans posted a decent total of 273 runs in 50 overs after winning the toss. Sediqullah Atal scored 85 runs off 95 balls, while Azmatullah Omarzai added 67 off 63 balls. For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis recorded 3/47 in nine overs, while Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa picked up two wickets each.

Australia were in control at 109/1 after 12.5 overs during the chase. Travis Head scored 59 off 40, and Steven Smith added an unbeaten 19 before rain interrupted play. Since 20 overs could not be completed, the match was abandoned. The Afghans would have secured a semi-final berth if they had won.

How Can Afghanistan Qualify for the Semi-Finals After the No Result?

Australia have secured their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals with four points and a net run rate (NRR) of 0.475. South Africa and the Afghans both have three points. However, the Proteas have a significant advantage with a net run rate of 2.140 compared to Afghanistan’s -0.990.

England are currently at the bottom of the standings after two losses. The Jos Buttler-led team will face South Africa in their final group-stage match at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 1.

For the Afghans to advance to the semi-finals, England must defeat South Africa by at least 207 runs if they bat first, as per Cricbuzz. If England chase, they must reach the target within 11.1 overs (both scenarios assuming a first-innings total of 300).

For Afghanistan to Qualify

If SA bat first, England have to chase
- 173 target in 15 overs
- 157 target in 14 overs
- 142 target in 13 overs and so on

If SA field first, SA have to lose by 207 runs or more, irrespective of the target the are chasing.

— Krishna Kumar (@KrishnaKRM) February 28, 2025

We Still Have Hopes, Hopefully England Win Big - Hashmatullah Shahidi

Afghanistan had a disappointing start to their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led team suffered a heavy 107-run defeat against South Africa in Karachi. However, they bounced back strongly with a thrilling eight-run victory over England in Lahore.

Speaking after the match against Australia, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said that the team is hopeful about their semi-final chances. Shahidi stated that they have not given up and are now relying on England to secure a big win against South Africa on Saturday.

"About the tournament, you never know. We still have hopes, hopefully England win big," Shahidi said while sharing his thoughts after the no result against the Aussies.

It is worth mentioning that the team has been in impressive form in ICC tournaments in recent times. They had a memorable run in the 2023 ODI World Cup and carried that momentum into the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals.

Also read: Pakistan rocked by BOMB BLAST near Lahore during Champions Trophy 2025; multiple killed