Australia secured their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals after their Group B match against Afghanistan was abandoned due to a wet outfield in Lahore. The result kept Afghanistan’s hopes alive, but their fate now hinges on the outcome of the match between England and South Africa. If South Africa wins, they will finish as Group B toppers with five points from three matches, securing a direct spot in the semifinals.
If South Africa loses to England, they will end up with three points, the same as Afghanistan. In that case, the second semifinalist from Group B will be determined by Net Run Rate (NRR). South Africa currently holds a significant advantage in this regard, making their qualification more likely unless they suffer a massive defeat.
Meanwhile, India’s semifinal opponent will be determined based on the final Group A match against New Zealand. Both teams currently have four points from two matches, but New Zealand has the superior NRR. If India wins, they will top Group A and face the second-placed team from Group B. If South Africa loses to England but qualifies based on NRR, they will take on India in the semifinals. However, if South Africa suffers a heavy defeat and Afghanistan finishes second in the group, India will play against Afghanistan.
If South Africa wins against England, India will face Australia in the semifinals. If India loses to New Zealand, they will finish as the second-placed team in Group A. In that scenario, if South Africa loses to England, India will play Group B toppers Australia in the semifinals. However, if South Africa wins their match and tops Group B, they will take on India in the semifinals.
With multiple possibilities in play, the semifinal matchups will only be confirmed after the final group-stage encounters, making the race to the knockout stage even more intense.
