Champions Trophy: AUS vs SA Called Off

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy match in Rawalpindi was called off due to rain.
• Group B’s semi-final race is now wide open.
• South Africa and Australia each have 3 points.
• The England vs Afghanistan match is now a must-win for both teams.
• The washed-out game has complicated Group B’s qualification scenarios.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Champions Trophy: AUS vs SA Called Off, What Does This Mean for Group B?

The match between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi was called off due to rain. This has left Group B’s semi-final qualification scenario wide open. Cricket fans were left disappointed.

Rain Spoils the Play

Cricket fans in Rawalpindi were left disappointed on Tuesday, February 25, as the Australia vs South Africa game was called off due to rain. The match was called off without the toss even taking place. The officials decided to abandon the match 2 hours and 15 minutes before the cut-off time.

Previous Wins for Both Teams

South Africa and Australia came into the game on the back of big wins. The Proteas tamed dark horses Afghanistan by 107 runs. This was on the back of Ryan Rickelton’s fine hundred and a splendid bowling performance from their pace attack. Kagiso Rabada was in fine form and picked up 3 wickets. Wiaan Mulder and Lungi Ngidi chipped in with two each.

Australia came into the contest after setting an ICC record. They achieved this with their splendid run-chase against England in the first game. Chasing 352 runs to win, Josh Inglis’ 120 and Alex Carey’s 69 guided the team to a memorable win.

Points Shared

The game being washed out in Rawalpindi forced both teams to share a point each. This leaves all 4 teams in Group B with a chance to qualify for the semi-finals. Group A has already been settled. India and New Zealand have qualified.

Group B’s Scenario

With the abandoned game in Rawalpindi, Australia and South Africa now have 3 points each. The Proteas lead the group because of their superior net-run rate of +2.140. Australia (+0.475) are in the second spot. If both teams win their final matches in the group against England and Afghanistan, they will progress into the semis.

Danger from Loss

However, a loss for either of the two teams in their final match will leave them in a vulnerable spot. While England and Afghanistan have lost their opening games, if both teams can win the remaining 2, they can leapfrog either Australia or South Africa and make it to the next round.

England vs Afghanistan

England will be facing Afghanistan in Rawalpindi on February 26. It will be a must-win game for both sides. If England or Afghanistan win the game, then the other team will get automatically knocked out. England will then play the Proteas on March 1 in Karachi.

Afghanistan vs Australia

Afghanistan will play their final group game against Australia in Lahore on 28 February. The result of this match will play a significant role in determining which teams advance to the semi-finals in the Champions Trophy. The impact of rain has been felt in the Champions Trophy.

What if Match is Washed Out?

If the England vs Afghanistan game is washed out, then both teams will get a point each. It will make their final games very crucial. If England can beat South Africa and Afghanistan trumps Australia, then all 4 teams will have 3 points each and then the net run-rate will come into play. The importance of net run-rate will increase for semi-final qualification.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• The Australia vs South Africa match was called off due to rain.
• South Africa and Australia now each have 3 points.
• Group B’s semi-final race is now very open.
• The England and Afghanistan match has become critical.
• The washout has complicated the qualification scenario in Group B.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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