Champions Trophy Group B: AUS, SA, ENG, AFG qualification scenario

Both the semifinal spots from Group B of the ICC Champions Trophy are still up for grabs

While the two semifinalists of Group A in the ICC Champions Trophy have already been decided, with two matches from the group still to take place, the race for the semifinals in Group B is very much alive, as no team has been able to secure their place in the last four.

 

The washed-out match between Australia and South Africa on Tuesday kept both England and Afghanistan in contention for the final spots. The latter two teams played a last over thriller on Wedesday, which saw the debutant Afghanistan knock England out and keeping themlves in race for the semifinals.

 

So, keeping all this in mind, let’s take a look at how the qualification scenario stands for all four teams in Group B going forward. 

 

 

Afghanistan and England 

Afghanistan successfully defends the 326-run target today, and knocked England out of the final four race. They now have have two points from two games. They will then have to beat Australia in their final game to qualify. A loss would result in both Australia and South Africa going through.

 

Australia and South Africa 

For Australia to qualify, they just need to win their last match against Afghanistan, which will secure their place in the final four. If they fail to do so, they will have to hope England beat the Proteas by a big margin to push South Africa's net run rate below Australia's. In that case, Australia will advance at the expense of South Africa.

 

On the other hand, South Africa has an easier path than Australia to qualify. If Australia wins against Afghanistan, the Proteas will qualify before playing their last match. If Afghanistan wins, South Africa will have to either win their last game against England or ensure that if they lose, they do not lose by a huge margin. In that case, the Proteas will edge past Australia on net run rate.