The fans had high hopes from Afghanistan going into the 2025 Champions Trophy. Afghanistan had a dream run at the 2023 ODI World Cup and they won four matches in the global event. They continued their purple patch and made it to the semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan made the worst possible start to their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign and suffered a 107-run defeat against South Africa. A team plays only 3 league stage matches in the Champions Trophy and just one defeat can prove costly. Afghanistan have an NRR of -2.140.

They still have their destiny in their own hands and can make it to the second round. Afghanistan, who are playing their first Champions Trophy, have to win both their matches. A washout or a defeat will rule them out of the tournament.

Afghanistan will have four points in their account if they win their next two games. The results of other matches will not have any impact on Afghanistan if they bounce back strongly. Another defeat will end their campaign. Afghanistan will face England and Australia in their next two games on February 26 and 28, respectively.

The same is the case with England. They have to win both their matches to qualify for the semi-final. One of England and Afghanistan will crash out of the tournament on Wednesday (February 26).

South Africa sit at the top spot and are followed by Australia. Both teams have 3 points each. SA have an NRR of +2.140 while Australia's NRR is +0.475. SA will face England on March 1 while Australia are scheduled to take on Afghanistan on February 28.

India and New Zealand are two teams from Group A which have qualified for the semi-final. Both teams have won 2 games each. Pakistan and Bangladesh have crashed out from the league stage of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

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