RAWALPINDI: The much-anticipated match between South Africa and Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for Tuesday, was called off due to persistent rain, leaving Group B wide open for all four teams
The showers continued throughout the afternoon, preventing the toss from taking place, and the match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Following the washout, the Proteas remain at the top of Group B with three points at an NRR of +2.140, while the Aussies are on second spot with +0.475.
Australia started their campaign with a remarkable victory over England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, while South Africa secured a 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their opening game in Karachi.
As the group stage of the Champions Trophy reaches its climax, the qualification chances of each team in Group B hang in the balance. Here’s a breakdown of what’s at stake for each of the four teams:
South Africa
South Africa is well-positioned to progress, boasting a healthy net run rate (NRR) of +2.140 after their convincing 107-run win against Afghanistan.
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The Protease semifinal spot will be guaranteed with a win over England. If England doesn’t win both of their remaining games, they won’t be eliminated even if they lose against them.
Australia
Australia, champions in 2006 and 2009, have a solid chance of progressing to the knockout stage. A win versus Afghanistan in their final match will guarantee their place in the semi-final. However, a loss will leave Australia depending on South Africa to defeat England.
| Ranks | Teams | Played | Won | Lost | N/R | Points | Net RR |
| 1 | South Africa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | +2.140 |
| 2 | Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | +0.475 |
| 3 | England | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -0.475 |
| 4 | Afghanistan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -2.140 |
England
England is on the brink of elimination after losing their opening game against arch-rivals Australia. Skipper Jos Buttler’s England will be eyeing a victory against Afghanistan in their upcoming clash, which could decide the fate of all four teams in Group B.
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Afghanistan
Afghanistan, playing in its first Champions Trophy, faces an uphill task after its crushing defeat against South Africa. To stay in contention for the semi-finals, they have to win both their remaining games against England and Australia.
Each upcoming game in Group B is effectively a knockout contest, with the qualification hopes of each team hanging precariously in the balance.
Notably, New Zealand and India have already secured their place in the last four, while host and defending champions Pakistan and Bangladesh have been eliminated.
READ: Champions Trophy: Jos Buttler confident of England’s comeback against Afghanistan