Now Reading: Champions Trophy Digest: Australia advance to semis; South Africa eye the last knockout spot as rain dents Afghanistan’s hopes | Cricket News
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Champions Trophy Digest: Australia advance to semis; South Africa eye the last knockout spot as rain dents Afghanistan’s hopes | Cricket News
Champions Trophy Digest: Australia advance to semis; South Africa eye the last knockout spot as rain dents Afghanistan’s hopes | Cricket News
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Australia booked their place in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals after persistent rain in Lahore led to their Group B match towards Afghanistan ending with out a consequence on Friday. The washout handed Australia 4 factors from three video games, confirming their spot in the last 4.
Afghanistan, on the different hand, discover themselves in a precarious scenario with three factors from as many matches. Their semi-final hopes now relaxation on England, who’re already eradicated, pulling off a giant win over South Africa in Karachi on Saturday. With Afghanistan’s web run charge at -0.99 in contrast to South Africa’s 2.14, a big England victory is their solely route into the knockout stage.
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Before rain interrupted play, Australia have been nicely positioned at 109/1 in 12.5 overs whereas chasing a goal of 274. Travis Head was unbeaten on 59, alongside Steve Smith on 19. Opener Matthew Short contributed 20 earlier than falling, however as heavy showers drenched the Gaddafi Stadium and water pooled on the outfield, the umpires referred to as off the match.
Afghanistan had earlier posted 273 all out in 50 overs, thanks to Sediqullah Atal’s 85 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s 67. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi remained hopeful that England may do his aspect a favour by defeating South Africa convincingly to assist Afghanistan sneak into the semi-finals.
South Africa eye semis berth towards struggling England
South Africa will look to cement their place in the semi-finals after they face England in Karachi on Saturday. With Australia already by way of, the Proteas have their future in their very own fingers, needing only a favorable consequence to progress. A complete win over Afghanistan by 107 runs earlier in the event has given them a powerful web run charge benefit.
For England, the event has been nothing in need of a catastrophe, with their newest eight-run defeat to Afghanistan sealing their early exit. Their reliance on Joe Root has uncovered evident weaknesses in the squad, and they’re going to want a miraculous turnaround to dent South Africa’s marketing campaign.
India vs New Zealand to finalise semi-final lineup
While the battle in Group B is heating up, India and New Zealand will face off in Dubai on Sunday to decide the last semi-final lineup. Both groups have already secured development from Group A, however the match will determine the seedings. The high workforce in Group A will play the second-placed workforce in Group B in the semi-finals.
Regardless of the consequence, India will characteristic in the first semi-final in Dubai on March 4, whereas the second semi-final might be held in Lahore on March 5. With kind and momentum on the line, the conflict between India and New Zealand is anticipated to be an exciting contest, setting the stage for the enterprise finish of the event.
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