As the Group B stage of the ICC Champions Trophy nears its conclusion, three teams remain in contention. South Africa and Australia lead with three points each, thanks to a win and one washed-out match. Australia faces Afghanistan, needing a win to secure a semi-final spot, but rain could impact play in Lahore, where there’s a 71% chance of precipitation. Afghanistan, coming off a victory against England after a loss to South Africa, hopes to keep their chances alive. If their match against Australia is abandoned, both teams would earn a point, giving Australia an advantage for semi-final qualification.
Rain has already disrupted two matches in Pakistan© AFP
As Group B of the ICC Champions Trophy approaches a thrilling finish, three teams remain in contention. South Africa and Australia lead the standings, each with three points from one victory and one match called off due to rain. On Friday, in a crucial clash, second-placed Australia will face third-placed Afghanistan, needing a win to secure their place in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. However, the outcome may depend not just on the players but also on the weather conditions in Lahore.
The Aussies kicked off their tournament with a dramatic victory against England, but their highly anticipated match against South Africa was cancelled due to rainfall. Afghanistan’s form has been inconsistent, yet they will approach their game against Australia with optimism after defeating England on Wednesday, following a heavy 107-run defeat to South Africa in their opener.
Lahore Weather Report Today:
According to Accuweather, there is approximately a 71% chance of rain in Lahore today (Friday). Consequently, the match between Australia and Afghanistan is likely to be interrupted, making a complete 50-over-per-side game seem unlikely.
Which Team Advances If the Afghanistan vs Australia Champions Trophy Match Is Abandoned?
An abandoned match would award both Afghanistan and Australia one point each. In this scenario, Australia would automatically qualify for the semi-finals, accumulating 4 points. Afghanistan, on the other hand, would still mathematically remain in contention.
The Afghans currently maintain a Net Run Rate of -0.990, which would persist even if they secure 3 points in Group B. South Africa, with a Net Run Rate of +2.140, also holds three points. Should the match between Afghanistan and Australia be washed out, the Proteas would almost certainly advance to the semi-finals.
The only factor that could keep Afghanistan’s hopes alive is an unlikely but possible heavy defeat for South Africa in their final Group B match against England on Saturday.
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