How can Afghanistan, Australia, and South Africa qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals after England’s exit?

The race for the Champions Trophy 2025 title is intensifying as the tournament enters its final phase. In Group A, India and New Zealand have already secured their spots in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Group B has become even more competitive after Afghanistan’s stunning victory over England, which not only knocked out the title favorites England but also made the qualification scenario more intriguing for Australia and South Africa.

The upcoming clash between Afghanistan and Australia is now a crucial fixture that will have a significant impact on the semi-final qualification. South Africa will also be closely watching this game before they face England in another must-win contest. As one of the strongest contenders in the tournament, South Africa still has a high chance of making it to the semi-finals, which are scheduled to take place on March 4 and March 5.

On February 26, Afghanistan delivered a stunning performance, defeating one of the tournament favorites, England, in Match 8 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. In an intense last-over thriller, Afghanistan secured an eight-run victory, officially eliminating England from the competition. With back-to-back defeats against Australia and Afghanistan, England’s Champions Trophy campaign came to an abrupt end. However, their exit has now opened the doors for a thrilling battle between Afghanistan, Australia, and South Africa for the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final.

Champions Trophy 2025 Semi Final Qualification Scenarios

Afghanistan

Afghanistan will face Australia in a do-or-die encounter. A victory in this match will secure their place in the semi-finals. However, if Afghanistan loses, their hopes of winning the title will be completely shattered. Moreover, if rain washes out the game, Afghanistan will be eliminated from the tournament.

Australia

Australia must defeat Afghanistan to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Currently, they have three points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +0.475, which is significantly lower than South Africa’s. To secure a guaranteed spot, Australia will also need England to defeat South Africa by a significant margin. However, if their match against Afghanistan is washed out, Australia will automatically qualify for the semi-finals.

South Africa

With a remarkable NRR of +2.140 and three points, South Africa is in a strong position to qualify. Even if they lose to England, they will still have a high chance of making it to the semi-finals. The only scenario in which South Africa could be eliminated is if they suffer an extremely heavy defeat, which seems highly unlikely at this stage. The upcoming matches in Group B will determine the final two semi-finalists, making this one of the most thrilling phases of the Champions Trophy 2025.