ENG vs AFG: Both England and Afghanistan are winless in the Champions Trophy 2025. (PHOTO: AP)
The Afghanistan dugout ran in jubilation as Ibrahim Zadran grabbed the catch of Adil Rashid to knock England out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Afghanistan defeated England by eight runs in a thrilling finish and won on the second-last delivery of the game. With Afghanistan’s win, group A of the tournament is wide open with all three teams having a chance.
Ibrahim Zadran played a magnificent innings of 177 runs in 146 balls to power Afghanistan to a big total of 325/7 from 50 overs. Joe Root scored 120 for England but the Afghani bowlers showed immense composure in the last few overs to get the crucial wickets and restrict England to 317 all out to clinch the thriller.
At the moment, South Africa is at the top of the group with three points and ahead of second-placed Australia based on net run rate as their game was washed out due to rain on Monday. Afghanistan is placed third with two points as they lost the first game against South Africa.
With just two games left in the group, there is a huge possibility that either of the three teams can go ahead or go home.
Here is how Afghanistan can qualify for the semis and knock out Australia
Afghanistan has just one option and that is to win against Australia in their last. In any case, if Afghanistan loses, South Africa will qualify automatically as they have three points.
Scenario 1: If Afghanistan defeats Australia and South Africa loses against England by a big margin, Australia will qualify for the semi-finals.
Story continues below this ad
Scenario 2: If Afghanistan defeats Australia and South Africa wins against England, Australia will be knocked out of the tournament while SA will qualify for the semis.
Scenario 3: If Afghanistan defeats Australia and South Africa loses against England by a small margin, South Africa will qualify for the semis based on net run rate.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
