Despite playing just one full match at the ICC Champions Trophy, Australia are through to the semifinals. The rain has thoroughly helped the Aussies, who didn’t need to beat Afghanistan to enter the final four. On the flip side, Afghanistan unit would be gutted. They needed two points against the mighty Aussies but had to settle for a solitary point. This means they are all but out of the equation for a semifinal spot.
Ecstasy for Australia, agony for Afghanistan
The Australia vs Afghanistan league match was going to be a virtual quarterfinal. The winner would’ve sealed it’s spot in the final four. However, we didn’t have a result. Afghanistan, who decided to bat first, put up a fighting total of 273 runs. It was due to Azmatullah Omarzai and Sediqullah Atal’s superb fifties that kept Afghanistan in the hunt.
However, we got to witness just 77 balls of Australia’s innings. Travis Head’s 59* off 40 got them off to a blazing start and the Men in Yellow were in the driving seat. But Afghanistan dearly wanted their shot. The Lahore ground staff couldn’t wipe out the puddles on the field and the match officials called off the game, with both teams sharing a point each.
How can Afghanistan qualify for Champions Trophy?
Mathematically, there’s still chance for Afghanistan to qualify. But in reality, there isn’t. They need a miracle tomorrow (Mar 1) from England. For Afghanistan to qualify, they need England to beat South Africa by at least 207 runs. If England bat second, they will have to chase down the target within 11.1 overs (assuming a first innings total of 300 in both cases).
Group B Champions Trophy Points Table
| Team | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (Q) | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | +0.475 |
| South Africa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | +2.140 |
| Afghanistan | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -0.990 |
| England (E) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -0.305 |
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