Champions Trophy 2025: Australia vs South Africa Clash Abandoned Due to Rain in Rawalpindi: The Group B match between Australia and South Africa was, due to much freakish rain, abandoned in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 without a toss. The match due to be held on February 25 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is the fourth no-result in the last seven games of the tournament, throwing the spotlight on whether the tournament should have been held during the unpredictable monsoon season in Pakistan.
Details of Match Abandonment
The weather ruled all day: pouring rain made the pitch and outfield unplayable. After numerous attempts to make the field playable, it was decided with heavy hearts by the umpires to abandon the match, handing one point to each of the teams.
Impact on Group B Standings
The teams now earn three points from their two matches each.
South Africa: 2 matches, 3 points, NRR +2.140
Australia: 2 matches, 3 points, NRR +0.475
England: 1 match, 0 points, NRR -0.475
Afghanistan: 1 match, 0 points, NRR -2.140
Champions Trophy 2025: Group B Qualification Scenarios for Semi-Finals
The semi-final race is really heating up with only two matches left for every next team.
Australia can guarantee a place in the semi-finals if they overcome Afghanistan on February 28 in Lahore. A loss would then leave them to rely on the results of others.
South Africa: If South Africa defeats England in its final group-stage match, it qualifies. If South Africa loses, qualification could depend on NRR.
England & Afghanistan: To have any real semi-finals chance, both teams need to win their remaining two matches. The moment they lose even once, they can instantly kiss that dream goodbye.
Also Read: WPL 2025: UP Warriorz Triumph Over RCB In Nail-Biting Super Over Clash
Rain interruptions were a magnet for debating over the scheduling and selection of venues for the tournament. Indeed, fans and cricketing bodies are now adamant that the ICC should introduce reserve days for group stage matches and host countries that offer a bit of predictability in future events.
