The outcome of the last match between England and Afghanistan has created a three-way battle for semi-finals qualification in Group B. Two games remain, with Australia set to face Afghanistan on Friday, while South Africa takes on England on Saturday.
To qualify, each team must secure five points or more. If Australia and South Africa win their respective matches, the pair will share top spot with five points each. However, if they lose, the standings will change significantly.
A key factor in determining who will finish first is the net run rate (NRR). Currently, South Africa leads with an NRR of 2.14, but Australia’s chances have increased after England’s loss. If Australia wins, it will surpass South Africa on NRR, potentially securing a top spot.
The situation becomes even more complex if Afghanistan and South Africa win together. In this scenario, South Africa will claim the top spot with five points, followed by Australia with three points. Conversely, if Afghanistan beats England, they will finish first with four points, while Australia and South Africa share second place on three points.
A draw between Australia-Afghanistan could also impact qualification. If points are shared in that match, Australia will advance to four points, ensuring their spot in the semi-finals. However, if South Africa defeats England, they will secure the top spot with five points, potentially leaving Afghanistan’s qualification chances uncertain.
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ct25-group-b-scenarios-how-can-afghanistan-qualify-are-south-africa-favourites-to-finish-on-top-1475064