Champions Trophy 2025 Group B Semifinal Qualification Scenarios: The 2025 Champions Trophy group-stage match between South Africa and Australia at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 25 (Tuesday) was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. As a result, both teams received one point each, taking both teams’ total to three points from two matches. A win could have brought either Australia or South Africa closer to securing a semifinal spot from Group B, but the rain forced both sides to settle for a shared point in their crucial encounter.
The shared points between the two top teams, who were favorites after their opening matches, have left Group B wide open, with all four South Africa, Australia, England and Afghanistan teams still in contention for a semifinal spot.
While India and New Zealand have secured their places in the semifinals from Group A, Group B is set for a thrilling finish. Here’s a look at the qualification scenarios and the frontrunners to join India and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy semifinals.
Champions Trophy 2025 Group B Semifinal Qualification Scenarios
South Africa: The Proteas are in a strong position to qualify, thanks to their commanding 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their tournament opener, which significantly boosted their Net Run Rate (NRR) to +2.140. The Proteas will secure a semifinal spot if they manage a win over England in their final match. Even if they lose, they can still advance if England suffer a defeat against Afghanistan.
Australia: Australia also have their semifinal fate in their own hands. The two-time Champions Trophy winners need a victory against Afghanistan in their final match to secure qualification. However, if they lose, their hopes will hinge on South Africa defeating England.
England: The Jos Buttler-led team must win both of their remaining matches to stay in contention after their opening loss to Australia. The fate of all four teams in Group B will largely depend on England's clash against Afghanistan on February 26 (Wednesday).
If both Australia and South Africa lose their final group-stage matches, the winner of England vs Afghanistan will advance to the semifinals. However, even if Australia defeat Afghanistan, England can still qualify by securing victories over both Afghanistan and South Africa.
Afghanistan: After a heavy defeat in their opening match, Afghanistan's qualification hopes now depend on both their own performances and other results. They must defeat both England and Australia to stay in contention for a semifinal spot.
Here’s how the Champions Trophy 2025 Group B Points Table reads:
| Team | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Pts | NRR |
| South Africa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2.14 |
| Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0.475 |
| England | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -0.475 |
| Afghanistan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2.14 |