AFG vs AUS: What happens if the Champions Trophy match between Australia and Afghanistan is washed out
Here’s a detailed analysis of what happens if the Afghanistan vs. Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match is washed out.
Overview of the Match Situation
The Group B clash between Afghanistan and Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 holds significant importance for both teams in their bid for a AFG vs AUS semi-final spot. However, with persistent rain affecting play at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, there is growing concern that the match could be abandoned. If the game is washed out completely, both teams will receive one point each.
This outcome could have major ramifications for the tournament, especially for Afghanistan, who are still fighting to secure qualification. Australia, AFG vs AUS on the other hand, are in a relatively comfortable position but would still prefer a result on the field.
What Happens If the Match Is Washed Out?
If the match is abandoned due to rain, here’s what will happen for each team:
1. Australia’s Qualification Scenario
- Before this match, Australia had two points in Group B after their victory against England.
- If this match is washed out, they will get one more point, taking them to three points in total.
- This would put them in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals.
- If England loses to South Africa in their next match, Australia’s qualification will be confirmed.
- Even if England wins, qualification will depend on Net Run Rate (NRR), but Australia will still have the advantage due to their earlier win against England.
2. Afghanistan’s Qualification Scenario
- Afghanistan came into this match with one point, having AFG vs AUS shared points with South Africa in a rain-affected game.
- If the match is washed out, they will get another point, AFG vs AUS taking them to two points.
- However, their qualification would depend on the result of the England vs. South Africa match.
- If South Africa defeats England, Afghanistan will be eliminated, as Australia and South Africa would have higher points.
- If England wins, all three teams (Afghanistan, England, and Australia) could be tied on points, and the Net Run Rate (NRR) will decide the semi-finalist.
Net Run Rate (NRR) and Its Role in Qualification
Net Run Rate is a key tiebreaker in multi-team tournaments AFG vs AUS like the Champions Trophy. If Afghanistan, England, and Australia all end up with the same number of points, the two teams with the best NRR will progress to the semi-finals.
Here’s how it works:
- NRR is calculated by subtracting the average runs per over conceded by a team from the average runs per over they score.
- If Afghanistan and England finish with the same AFG vs AUS points, the team with a higher NRR will qualify.
- This means Afghanistan would be hoping for a big loss for England in their match against South Africa to boost their chances.
Rain and Its Impact on the Tournament
Rain has played a major role in this edition of AFG vs AUS the ICC Champions Trophy, affecting multiple matches. Several teams have already been impacted by weather-related abandonments, and Afghanistan has been particularly unlucky with two rain-affected games.
A washed-out game benefits teams that are AFG vs AUS already in a strong position (like Australia) but can hurt teams that need a decisive result (like Afghanistan).
- Australia would prefer to play and secure a win rather than leave qualification to chance.
- Afghanistan would desperately want a full game to have the opportunity to win and improve their position in the points table.
Other Factors to Consider
If the rain stops and play resumes, different scenarios come into play:
- DLS Method (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern): If the match is shortened due to rain but still playable, the DLS method will be used to adjust the target.
- Minimum Overs for a Result: At least 20 overs must be bowled in the second innings for a result to be declared. If that threshold is not met, the match will be considered a No Result.
Conclusion
If the Australia vs. Afghanistan match is completely washed out:
- Australia will have three points and will be in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals.
- Afghanistan will have two points, and their qualification will depend on the England vs. South Africa match.
- England’s result and the Net Run Rate (NRR) will determine which two teams from Group B make it to the semi-finals.
For Afghanistan, a washed-out match would be a massive disappointment as it reduces their chances of controlling their own fate. On the other hand, Australia would still prefer a full match but won’t be severely impacted by an abandoned game.
With the unpredictable nature of cricket and weather playing a major role, all eyes will now be on the umpires’ next inspection and the forecast for the remaining hours of the match.
