Champions Trophy 2025: Group B Semi-Final Race Intensifies

NEWS CHARIOT : The race for the semi-final spots in the Champions Trophy 2025 Group B is heating up with just two matches remaining. Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan are all vying for a coveted place in the knockout stage, and the next few days will be pivotal in determining which teams advance.

On Friday, Australia (3 points, NRR 0.475) will face Afghanistan (2 points, NRR -0.99) in Lahore, a must-win match for both sides. The following day, South Africa (3 points, NRR 2.14) will take on England, a crucial encounter with far-reaching consequences for the group standings.

If both Australia and South Africa win their respective matches, they will finish with 5 points each, and the Net Run Rate (NRR) will decide who tops the group. South Africa holds the advantage, thanks to a commanding win over Afghanistan earlier in the tournament. For Australia to top the group in such a scenario, they would need to win by 87 runs, provided South Africa only wins by a narrow margin of 1 run.

If Australia and England win, Australia will top the group with 5 points, and South Africa will finish second with 3. However, if Afghanistan and South Africa both secure victories, South Africa will qualify with 5 points, while Afghanistan, with 4 points, will advance, knocking Australia out of contention.

Rain could also play a decisive role in Lahore, with the weather potentially washing out the Australia vs Afghanistan match. In this case, Australia would advance with 4 points. If South Africa defeats England, they would top the group, while England’s victory could see Afghanistan needing a 207-run win to qualify.

With everything to play for, the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining the semi-finalists of the tournament.

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