Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – South Africa secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over England in Lahore on Saturday, advancing to the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and ending Afghanistan’s hopes of progressing further in the tournament. Rassie van der Dussen’s unbeaten 72 off 87 balls guided South Africa to a comfortable win, as they chased down England’s modest total of 179 with ease, finishing at 181-3 in just 29.1 overs.
The Proteas’ victory ensured they topped Group B, with Australia finishing second and Afghanistan, despite their spirited performances, bowing out in third place. Afghanistan had clung to a slim chance of qualifying for the semifinals, but those hopes were dashed as South Africa’s dominant performance left no room for mathematical possibilities.
England, already eliminated after consecutive losses to Australia and Afghanistan, put up a lackluster display. Their batting lineup crumbled to 179 all out in 38.2 overs, with Marco Jansen (3-39) and Wiaan Mulder (3-25) leading South Africa’s bowling attack. Joe Root top-scored for England with 37, but regular wickets and a lack of partnerships left the defending champions struggling throughout their innings.
South Africa’s chase began shakily as Jofra Archer dismissed Tristan Stubbs for a duck and later removed Ryan Rickelton for 27. However, van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the ship with a 127-run partnership for the third wicket. Klaasen’s brisk 64 off 56 balls, including 11 fours, set the stage for South Africa’s victory, while van der Dussen anchored the innings with a composed half-century.
For Afghanistan, the result marked the end of a valiant campaign. Their memorable win over England earlier in the tournament had sparked hopes of a historic semifinal berth, but South Africa’s triumph extinguished those dreams. Afghanistan’s elimination highlights the competitive nature of Group B, where they finished behind two cricketing powerhouses, South Africa and Australia.
South Africa will now await their semifinal opponent, which will be determined by the outcome of the India vs. New Zealand clash in Dubai. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s journey in the Champions Trophy ends, but their performances have once again demonstrated their growing stature in international cricket.
