Australia beat Afghanistan comprehensively on Friday (February 28) to seal their spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals. Here's how the result affects the tournament's points table.
After batting first, Afghanistan were bowled out for 273. Sediqullah Atal played his part with an 85 from No.3 but it was Azamatullah Omarzai whose timely half century took Afghanistan to a fighting total, after they slipped to 235-8 at one stage. Omarzai, who earlier put in a commendable all-round performance against England, made a 63-ball 67 coming in at No.6. For Australia, it was an all-round bowling effort. Ben Dwarshuis picked up three wickets, while Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa took two, and Nathan Ellis and Glenn Maxwell on each.
In response, Australia came out all guns blazing, going to 100 runs in 12 overs for the loss of just one wicket. Travis Head once again rose to the occasion, smashing a fifty off just 34 balls. Australia were at 109-1 when rain halted play.
The delay proved terminal for the match, as it was called off shortly after. Since the second innings did not see the completion of 20 overs, the match could not be completed, and both teams received one point each. This the third washout in this year's tournament.
Australia have now qualified for the semi-finals from Group B. That means Afghanistan, who have made a reputation of being giantslayers in ICC tournaments, are on the verge of elimination.
Afghanistan completed a single on the last ball of the 47th over, but replays later showed Australia wicketkeeper Josh Inglis whipping off the bails as Noor Ahmad left his crease.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 28, 2025
He appealed but skipper Steve Smith decided against it.
More details: https://t.co/TMdeBdAYKP pic.twitter.com/t4YQVRgvtO
Updated Champions Trophy 2025 standings after Afghanistan v Australia washout
Group A
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | N/R | Tied | Points | NRR |
| New Zealand (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +0.863 |
| India (Q) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +0.647 |
| Bangladesh (E) | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -0.443 |
| Pakistan (E) | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1.087 |
Group B
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | N/R | Tied | Points | NRR |
| Australia (Q) | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +0.475 |
| South Africa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | +2.140 |
| Afghanistan | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -0.990 |
| England (E) | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -0.305 |
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