In a classic case of “rain stops play,” Afghanistan’s hopes for a semi-final berth in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 now rest on the unpredictable British weather and the performance of the English cricket team. Their recent match against Australia was abandoned due to persistent rain at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, leaving Afghanistan’s fate hanging in the balance.
Match Abandoned: No Result
The much-anticipated clash saw Afghanistan setting a competitive target of 273, thanks to notable contributions from Sediqullah Atal (85) and Azmatullah Omarzai (67). Australia, in response, reached 109 for 1 in the 13th over before the heavens opened, rendering the outfield unplayable and leading officials to call off the match.
Australia Advances; Afghanistan Waits
With the match abandoned, Australia comfortably sailed into the semi-finals, accumulating four points in Group B. Afghanistan, meanwhile, remains on tenterhooks with two points, their progression now dependent on the outcome of the upcoming England vs. South Africa match.
Qualification Scenarios: Afghanistan’s Slim Hopes
For Afghanistan to advance, they need England to defeat South Africa by a significant margin. This outcome would create a tie on points, bringing net run rate into play—a statistical gamble that Afghanistan hopes to win.
The Waiting Game
As the cricketing world turns its attention to the England-South Africa showdown, Afghanistan’s players and fans find themselves in the unenviable position of relying on other teams’ performances—a stark reminder of the sport’s unpredictability.