In a thrilling contest at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday night, Afghanistan triumphed over England, securing a memorable eight-run victory that sent the former ODI world champions packing from the tournament. The match was decided in the penultimate ball when Azmatullah Omarzai’s clever variations in length outfoxed a determined Joe Root. Root’s late surge was not enough to overcome Afghanistan’s resolve, and with England’s loss, their Champions Trophy campaign ended in humiliation.
Afghanistan, who had made their Champions Trophy debut a week ago against South Africa, once again demonstrated that they are capable of surprising the big guns of world cricket. With this victory, Afghanistan not only registered their first win in the tournament but also kept their semifinal hopes alive.
Afghanistan’s Semi-Final Hopes Still Strong
With England’s elimination, Group B is now an exciting three-horse race for the last semifinal berth. Afghanistan’s next test is against Australia on Friday in Lahore, and the match will be vital for their semifinal hopes. If Afghanistan can cause another upset, beating Australia, they will make it to the semifinals. But if Australia win, then everything will hinge on the outcome of the England-South Africa game.
For Australia to make it, they require both a win against Afghanistan and a big England win against South Africa to enhance their net run rate. South Africa’s better NRR (+2.140) provides them with a huge boost in this situation, so only a big win by England would allow Australia (+0.475) to surpass South Africa in the NRR war.
India And New Zealand Qualify For Semifinals
In the meantime, India made history by being the first side to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinals. New Zealand became the second side to book their semifinal ticket by beating Bangladesh in their second match, thus sealing their spot in the last four. Since Group A semifinalists have already been confirmed, focus shifts to the remaining two group stage matches in this group, among them the face-off between Pakistan and Bangladesh that will not have any impact on the final position.
The most critical match of Group A is the India-New Zealand encounter on Sunday in Dubai. It will decide the group topper, with the winner in all likelihood having a good semifinal draw.
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Which Team Will India Play Against?
The last group stage matches in Group B will determine the semifinal encounters. The top team from each group will meet the second team from the other group. In case Australia and South Africa win their own games and India beats New Zealand, India will lead Group A and might encounter Australia in the semifinal. Alternatively, in case India finishes second in Group A, they will meet South Africa.
But if Afghanistan surprises Australia and England loses again, India might find themselves playing their Asian counterparts in the semifinal. If New Zealand beats India on Sunday, and India comes 2nd in Group A, the Men in Blue would probably be up against South Africa, and New Zealand would play Australia in the other semifinal.
