Afghanistan continued their great run in ICC events and picked up a stunning eight-run win over England in the ICC Champions Trophy match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The win knocked England out of the semifinal race and made it a three-way battle between South Africa, Australia, and Afghanistan for a semifinal berth. Australia and South Africa are undefeated and have a win and a washout—a total of three points against their name. South Africa, with a superior run rate, are placed at the top, followed by Australia.

Afghanistan's win over England has opened up the group, and if they can beat Australia, they will qualify for the semifinal. If Afghanistan win, they will reach four points, and Australia will be stuck at three points. If England beat South Africa, Australia and South Africa will be tied on three points, and the team with a better run rate will go through. If South Africa beat England, Afghanistan and South Africa will move into the semis, knocking Australia out.

Australia are playing with a second-string team, with many big guns unavailable, and Afghanistan would be optimistic about another win. They came close to beating Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023, but Glenn Maxwell's brilliance snatched a win from the jaws of defeat.

India are playing all their matches in Dubai, where the conditions have favoured the spinners. Spin is Afghanistan's strength, and they could challenge India in Dubai more than any other team in the tournament. If India beat New Zealand and South Africa beat England, India will play Afghanistan in the semifinal, provided Afghanistan beat Australia. India will play New Zealand in their final league game on March 2 at the Dubai International Stadium.

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