Courtesy: ICC/ACB
Following Afghanistan’s eight-run win over England in the eighth match of the Champions Trophy 2025, Group B is witnessing an intriguing battle among three teams to qualify for the semi-final. At the Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan stunned the English cricket team and won consecutive games against them in ICC tournaments. Back in the ODI World Cup 2023, Afghanistan hammered England by 69 runs at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium. After their success against England in the competition, Afghanistan will look to display their best in their upcoming game against Australia and qualify for the semi-finals stage.
Afghanistan are in the third spot with two points in Pool B, and they will play their next game against Australia in Lahore on February 28. Australia have got three points after their five-wicket win against England and the washed-out contest against the table-toppers South Africa. The Proteas, who kicked off their campaign with a 107-run triumph against the Afghan team, have notched up three points but their net run-rate is stronger than the Aussies. Amidst these developments, Afghanistan will look to continue playing quality cricket to reach the knockouts.
How can Afghanistan qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Afghanistan’s clash against Australia has become a virtual quarter-final contest as the winner of this game will punch their tickets for the semi-finals. Both sides have met each other in ODIs on four occasions, and Australia have emerged victorious in all. In World Cup 2023, the Asian team gave a tough time to the Aussies but Glenn Maxwell stood tall with his unbeaten 201 off 128.
However, Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 win against Australia will encourage them to daze the world champions in the upcoming match in Lahore. Discussing other teams, England are eliminated from the competition and they will be squaring off against South Africa in Karachi on March 1. The English side will play for their pride while the Proteas will be looking to conclude their group stage on the top spot.
