South Africa Advances to Semis Before Batting, Afghanistan Exits

Sports Desk

Afghanistan had nothing in their hands. The equation that kept their hopes alive in the England-South Africa match was only possible on paper. It didn’t materialize. The fate of Group B was decided midway through the match. South Africa advanced to the Champions Trophy semifinals alongside Australia, eliminating Afghanistan.

In the final Group B match in Karachi on Saturday, England, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, were bowled out for just 179 runs. If England had scored 300 runs and won by at least 207 runs, Afghanistan could have surpassed South Africa on net run rate. However, England’s total of 179 made that impossible, and South Africa’s semifinal spot was confirmed.

Australia had already secured their place in the semifinals with 4 points from three matches. South Africa and Afghanistan were competing for the second spot, both with 3 points each. However, South Africa’s superior net run rate (+2.140) compared to Afghanistan’s (-0.990) gave them the edge, even if they lost to England.

For South Africa, another equation lies ahead. If they win this match, they will finish with 5 points, surpassing Australia to top Group B. The top team from Group B will face the runner-up of Group A in the semifinals.