Delhi, 1 March (H.S.): Afghanistan’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal has been almost dashed after their final group stage final against Australia was washed due to rain at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, February 28.

Australia were 109/1 in 12.5 overs chasing a 274-run target set by Afghanistan before rain began, with players returning to pavilion as groundsmen rushed to cover the pitch.

With their consecutive match ended in no result due to rain, Australia officially qualified for the semi-final with a share of the points guaranteeing them a place in the same.

Afghanistan’s chances of qualifying for the semifinals of the Champions Trophy 2025 are slim. After winning one match and losing another, they are on the brink of group stage exit. Their qualification scenario requires a highly improbable result in the final Group B match between England and South Africa, where England would have to beat South Africa by a margin of over 200 runs or chase down the target in 11.1 overs with a first innings total of more than 300 runs. Given the unlikelihood of such a result, and South Africa’s strong position to seal their semifinal spot, Afghanistan’s hopes of making it to the semifinals appear to be dwindling.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar