Australia-South Africa Match Abandoned Due to Rain; All Teams in Group B Still in Semis Race

The Champions Trophy Group B standings have taken an intriguing turn after the match between Australia and South Africa, scheduled to be played yesterday in Rawalpindi, was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. Both teams were awarded one point each, leaving them tied at three points apiece. However, South Africa holds the top position due to a superior net run rate.

England and Afghanistan, having suffered defeats, occupy the subsequent positions in the table. Despite this, all teams in Group B still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, including England and Afghanistan, which are yet to register a win.

South Africa, despite leading the group on net run rate, must secure a victory in their upcoming match against England on March 1 to ensure qualification with five points. A loss in that fixture would eliminate them from the tournament. Similarly, second-placed Australia will face Afghanistan on Friday. If Australia wins without any upsets, they will advance to the semi-finals with five points; otherwise, their qualification hopes will be dashed.

England, on the other hand, must win both their remaining matches—against Afghanistan today and against South Africa on March 1—to qualify with four points. A single loss would result in elimination. Afghanistan also remains in contention for a semi-final spot, but they need to pull off upsets in both their remaining matches to advance. Given that their upcoming opponents are strong teams, it remains to be seen how competitive they can be.

Meanwhile, in Group A, New Zealand and India have already secured their places in the semi-finals, having won both their matches. New Zealand currently tops the group due to a superior net run rate.