Afghanistan or Australia - Who Qualify For Semi-Final From ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group B if Lahore Rain Abandons Game?

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The Pakistan leg of the Champions Trophy has been a let down, all thanks to the rain that has played spoilsport in a couple of games already. On Friday, Afghanistan lock horns with Australia in a crucial Group B fixture at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore and all eyes would be on the weather to see what is the forecast. The spotlight is certainly on the skies above. Both Afghanistan and Australia are in contention for a semi-final berth and hence the game is a very important one in that regard. While we already know who would be the semi-finalists from Group A, there is much uncertainty around the other group. 

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GROUP B UPDATE

Afghanistan lost their opener against South Africa, but then bounced back to upstage England and keep their hopes alive. On the other hand, the Australian side beat England but lost against South Africa. For both the sides, it is a virtual quarter-final. Now, the question is, with chances of rain looming large in Lahore, what exactly happens if the Afghanistan versus Australia game is washed out? 

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What Happens if AFG vs AUS Game in Lahore is Washed Out? 

So yes, in case the game is abandoned due to rain, then Australia, go through to the final four with four points. That would be the last thing Afghanistan would want. That would also mean that the South Africa would have to beat England to go through. And then if South Africa lose to England then the latter would be tied on points with Afghanistan. In that kind of a scenario, it would boil down to who has the superior Net Run Rate. So, SA needs to avoid losing badly to England even if they lose to maintain a superior NRR. 

Confident after their win over England, Afghanistan would be optimistic about their chances against Australia as the Steve Smith-led side is missing some big stars.