Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal qualification scenarios: How Group B stands after Afghanistan’s historic victory | Mint

Afghanistan secured a historic eight-run win over England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday to keep their semifinal hopes alive and open up Group B in the race for the semifinals. This was Afghanistan’s first-ever win in ICC Champions Trophy and second consecutive victory over Jos Buttler’s men in ODIs. 

The last time Afghanistan defeated England was during the ODI World Cup in India in 2023. Unfortunately, England have been knocked out of the semifinal race with two consecutive losses. They had earlier lost to Australia. India and New Zealand have already qualified from Group A.  

Riding on a record-breaking 177 from opener Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan posted 325/7 in 50 overs. In reply, England were in the chase until Joe Root (120) was in the middle. Afghanistan clawed back once Joe Root was dismissed as the rest of the batters couldn’t survive in from of Mohammad Nabi (2/57) and Azmatullah Omarzai (5/58). 

Notably, Ibrahim Zadran not only became the first Afghan player to score a century in the ICC Champions Trophy, but also the first Afghan batter to score a century in any ICC event.

Champions Trophy 2025 Group B qualification scenarios 

South Africa: The Temba Bavuma-led side need a win against England in their last group game to seal a spot in the semifinals. In case, the Proteas falter against England, then they will stay at three points and will have to look up to the Australia vs Afghanistan clash to see their fate. In case Afghanistan and England win, South Africa will need to ensure that their net run rate stays above Australia’s.

Australia: With three points from two games, Australia need to win against Afghanistan to make it to the semifinals. A slip up will cost them heavily because then they would want South Africa to lose its match by a big margin against England so that the Proteas’ net run rate drops below them. 

Afghanistan: With two points from two games, Afghanistan are still in the race for semifinals. They play Australia next and a win will take them to four points, which will elevate them to the top two and also to the last four. Australia have three points from two games after their washout against South Africa. A loss for Afghanistan will mean they are out of the competition. 

England: With two losses, England have been knocked out of the semifinal race. They play South Africa in their final group game. Although it doesn’t hold any significance for England, but for South Africa it’s a must-win encounter.