Champions Trophy: Australia-SA Match Abandoned, England-Afghanistan in Knockout Dilemma
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 faced an unexpected interruption as the match between reigning champions Australia and South Africa was abandoned due to rain. Both teams now share a point, while England and Afghanistan face a must-win scenario to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Key Takeaways
- Australia and South Africa share points after rain abandonment.
- Next matches crucial for England and Afghanistan survival.
- India and New Zealand have secured semifinal spots.
- Upcoming matches will finalize Group B semifinalists.
- Fourth no result for Australia in last eight Champions Trophy games.
Rawalpindi, Feb 25 (NationPress) The current ODI World Champion, Australia, faced an unexpected turn of events as their Group B match against South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was called off without any play due to continuous rain, resulting in both teams earning a point each.
This washout keeps South Africa at the top of the group standings, ahead of Australia with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +2.140. Consequently, if both Australia and South Africa win their upcoming group matches against Afghanistan and England, respectively, they will advance to the semifinals.
The cancellation has transformed the upcoming Group B match between England and Afghanistan in Lahore into a crucial knockout scenario, where the losing team will be the third to exit the tournament. Both teams are yet to record a victory in the event, and a defeat for either would effectively end their semifinal aspirations.
In Group A, India and New Zealand have already secured their spots in the semifinals. These two teams are set to clash on March 2 to determine the top position in the group.
Both Australia and South Africa began their campaigns with wins against England and Afghanistan, respectively. A victory in their rain-impacted match would have greatly enhanced their semifinal prospects. Their last encounter at an ICC event was a nail-biting semifinal during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Australia narrowly triumphed over South Africa.
As the group stage approaches its conclusion, Australia will next face Afghanistan on February 28, while South Africa is scheduled to play against England on March 1. The results of these two matches will ultimately determine the two semifinalists from Group B.
The semifinals for the Champions Trophy are slated for March 4 and 5. India, having topped Group A, will compete in their semifinal in Dubai on March 4, while New Zealand will play their semifinal in Lahore on March 5.
This marks the fourth match with no result or abandonment for Australia in their last eight appearances at the Champions Trophy.
