Pool B semi-final permutations after Proteas’ ICC Champions Trophy Rawalpindi washout

Zaahier Adams

The much-anticipated Proteas and Australia clash at the ICC Champions Trophy was abandoned due to consistent drizzle throughout the day in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Each side received one point with both teams moving up to three points, although the Proteas remain on top of the Pool B due to their superior net run-rate.

There are three matches remaining in Pool B with England and Afghanistan set to lock horns on Wednesday before Australia meet Afghanistan on Friday. England and the Proteas close out the Pool B action on Saturday.

Here's qualification scenarios for each of the four teams in the group:

Proteas

Temba Bavuma’s team are currently top of the log due to their comprehensive 107-run victory over Afghanistan that raised their NRR to +2.140.

Victory over England on Saturday regardless of the outcome of the other matches will send the Proteas through to the semis.

They could still qualify even if they lose on Saturday, should Afghanistan beat England tomorrow.

Australia

The World Cup champions’ bid for a third ICC Champions Trophy remains on track. Their three points means a straight victory over Afghanistan will ensure Steve Smith’s side progression to the semis.

However, a defeat to Afghanistan and they would need the Proteas to beat England in order to advance.

England

It’s straightforward knockout cricket for England after their opening defeat to Australia. Actually not quite. Victories over both Afghanistan and the Proteas may still not be enough due to their current negative run-rate of -0.475.

Their match against Afghanistan on Wednesday is of pivotal importance to the entire group. The winner of this match could advance to the semis should Australia and the Proteas lose their respective final matches.

Afghanistan

The Afghans have the steepest mountain to climb. Their heavy defeat to the Proteas left them rooted to the foot of the table with a -2.140 NRR. Lose against England on Wednesday and their tournament is over.

But a victory opens up an entirely different set of scenarios for all the teams and gives them hope heading into their final fixture against Australia on Friday.