How Can Australia, Afghanistan And South Africa Qualify For Semifinals; Qualification Scenarios Explained

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is nearing its knockout stage, with some thrilling matches set for the weekend. While the qualification scenario in Group A—featuring India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh—is clear, Group B remains wide open, with teams locked in a tight battle for the semifinal spots.

Afghanistan's big upset against England has made the contest more interesting. Afghanistan defeated England in a thrilling encounter on Wednesday to keep their chances of qualifying for the semifinals alive. The defeat knocked England out of the Champions Trophy.

Ibrahim Zadran starred in Afghanistan's victory with a stunning 177-run inning, the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history. The record-breaking innings led Afghanistan to a formidable total of 325. Despite Joe Root's valiant 120-run effort to keep England in the chase, they fell short by eight runs.

This, along with the washed-out match between South Africa and Australia, means that the race for the semifinal spot is wide open in Group B. 

Here are the semifinal qualification scenarios for the remaining Group B matches.

Afghanistan has two points from two games in the tournament so far. The team needs to win their ongoing match against Australia to qualify for the semifinals. 

Australia stands at three points from two games following a match washout against South Africa. The Kangaroos need to win their match against Afghanistan to seal their semifinal spot. In case of a defeat at the hands of Afghanistan, the Aussies will have to depend on England to win their match against South Africa with a huge margin. 

It will ensure that South Africa's net run rate falls below Australia's, with both teams finishing on three points, allowing Australia to qualify for the semifinals.

Like Australia, South Africa has three points from two games and can secure a spot in the semifinals with a win over England. However, if South Africa loses, its qualification will depend on Afghanistan's defeating Australia. In that scenario, both Australia and South Africa would be tied at three points, with South Africa advancing only if it has a superior net run rate.