Australia has qualified for the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy. Despite their match against Afghanistan on Friday ending without a result due to rain, Australia advanced with 4 points from Group B.
Match Summary
Afghanistan had set a target of 274 runs after being all out in 50 overs. Sediqullah Atal was the top scorer with 85 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai played a strong finishing role, scoring 67 runs.
Australia made an aggressive start in their chase, reaching 109/1 in just 12.5 overs before the match was interrupted. Travis Head remained unbeaten on 59, while Steve Smith was on 19. Matt Short was dismissed for 20.
For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis took 3 wickets for 47 runs in 9 overs. Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa picked up 2 wickets each, while Nathan Ellis and Glenn Maxwell took 1 wicket each.
Australia’s Return to Semi-Finals
Australia last won the Champions Trophy in 2009. Since then, they had not won any matches in the 2013 and 2017 editions. This is their first semi-final appearance in 16 years.
Qualification Scenario
Afghanistan still has a slim mathematical chance of qualifying. The final standings will be decided after the match between England and South Africa on Saturday.
- If South Africa wins, they will top Group B.
- If England wins by a small margin, South Africa will still qualify.
- Afghanistan’s only hope is if England wins by a huge margin.
From Group A, India and New Zealand have already secured their spots in the semi-finals.
