Rain forced the abandonment of Tuesday's Group B match between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi without a single ball being bowled, and the two teams each received one point. Consequently, South Africa maintains its top spot, surpassing Australia due to its higher Net Run Rate. England vs Afghanistan in Group B on Wednesday has now turned into a knockout match. India and New Zealand both reaffirmed their spots in the round of four in Group A. Both of them will face each other in Dubai, on March 2 and the winner will finish on top of the group.
Points table after AUS vs SA washed out
With the game called off, both Australia and South Africa have now three points (one win and one no result). South Africa's better Net Run Rate (NRR) of +2.140 over Australia's +0.475 will keep them at the top of the Group B standings despite both teams being level on points.
Group B semi-final qualification scenario
If South Africa wins their next match, they will be well-positioned to guarantee a spot in the semi-finals. Although they might need to win their last group-stage game to guarantee their qualification, Australia will still be in the running. If they win their remaining games, Afghanistan and England, who both currently have zero points, will have a remote possibility of qualifying. The outcome of England and Afghanistan's remaining games might determine whether Australia and South Africa qualify if they finish the group stage with three points apiece.
There are two games left for England (0 points). They could achieve four points if they defeat South Africa and Afghanistan, which could eliminate South Africa from the semi-finals. Afghanistan has two games left and is at zero points. They might also achieve four points and possibly eliminate Australia from the race if they defeat both England and Australia.
Although Australia and South Africa are not immediately eliminated by a washed-out encounter, it would make their remaining group matches crucial. One of today's teams may not advance to the semi-finals if Afghanistan or England win both of their remaining matches.
