As the Champions Trophy 2025 enters a thrilling climax in Group B, top-ranked South Africa will look to seal their place in the semifinals by overcoming an out-of-form England side on Saturday in Karachi. With India and New Zealand already comfortably through from Group A, Group B remains intriguingly poised, setting the stage for a dramatic finale over the coming days.
Semifinal Race Heats Up in Group B
Group B presents an intense three-way tussle involving South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan, each vying for the remaining two semifinal spots. South Africa, leading with 3 points and a commanding net run rate (NRR) of 2.140, are favourites to advance, provided they avoid an upset against England.Australia (3 points, 0.475 NRR) and Afghanistan (2 points, -0.990 NRR) will clash in a crucial encounter on Friday in Lahore, potentially altering the landscape of Group B dramatically. An Afghanistan victory would secure their semifinal berth and leave Australia fighting South Africa for the remaining slot.
Afghanistan's Remarkable Fightback Shakes Up Group Dynamics
Afghanistan recently stunned England with an eight-run victory, eliminating Jos Buttler’s side from semifinal contention and simultaneously keeping their own hopes alive. That result put added pressure on Australia and South Africa, turning the upcoming encounters into virtual knockouts.Afghanistan, buoyed by confidence from their recent performance, enter Friday’s game against Australia with momentum. They nearly defeated Australia in their previous ODI encounter during the 2023 World Cup, a match famously swung by Glenn Maxwell’s astonishing 201 not out.
South Africa Look Solid Despite Recent Struggles
South Africa remain clear favourites against an unsettled England side. In their only completed match in the ongoing tournament, the Proteas registered a commanding 107-run victory over Afghanistan. Ryan Rickelton starred with a superb century, while skipper Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram each contributed impactful half-centuries, guiding South Africa to an imposing 315/6.Their bowlers complemented the batsmen with a disciplined performance, dismissing Afghanistan for just 208. However, the Proteas' form leading into the Champions Trophy has been patchy at best—winning only four of their last twelve ODIs since January 2024. They also failed to reach the final of the recent tri-series in Pakistan involving New Zealand, highlighting concerns over consistency.
England Seek Redemption Amid Disappointing Campaign
England, already knocked out after two straight defeats, will look to salvage pride in their final match. The 2019 World Cup champions have struggled significantly, relying too heavily on veteran batter Joe Root. His valiant innings of 120 against Afghanistan was the lone highlight in an otherwise disappointing display by the English side, which began their slump with a 0-3 defeat against India just prior to this tournament.Captain Jos Buttler, likely facing future changes in team leadership, will seek to inspire a final spirited performance from his team before bowing out of the competition.
Match Details and Teams
Date and Venue: Saturday, KarachiMatch Start Time: 2:30 PM IST
England Squad:
Jos Buttler (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Rehan Ahmed, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.South Africa Squad:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch.As the group stage reaches its climax, all eyes are on Karachi, where South Africa's ambition meets England’s desperation in a clash promising fireworks and high drama.
