GUWAHATI: South Africa became the fourth and final team to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy on Saturday, March 1, as they secured their spot even as their final Group B match against England was still in progress.
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The Proteas bowled out England for 179, the lowest total in this year's tournament, ensuring their progression to the knockout stage. With this result, Afghanistan’s hopes of making the semi-finals were also officially dashed.
After their final group match against Australia was abandoned due to a wet outfield, Afghanistan needed England to beat South Africa by at least 200 runs to surpass them on Net Run Rate (NRR). However, England’s batting collapse ended Afghanistan’s campaign.
South Africa, 1998 champions of the tournament, will now look to top Group B with a win over England and enter the knockouts in strong form.
Meanwhile, India and New Zealand had already secured their semi-final spots, defeating Pakistan and Bangladesh in their first two games. The two sides face off in Dubai on Sunday, with the winner finishing as Group A leaders and set to face Group B’s runner-up in the semi-finals.
