The 10th match of Group B in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between Afghanistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, ended in a frustrating no result due to persistent rain and a wet outfield. The outcome confirmed Australia’s place in the semifinals, while Afghanistan’s campaign came to an early end.
Afghanistan’s resilient batting effort
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a respectable total of 273 all out in 50 overs. Despite an early setback with Rahmanullah Gurbaz departing for a duck, Sediqullah Atal anchored the innings with a superb 85 off 95 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes. Azmatullah Omarzai provided a crucial late flourish, scoring 67 off 63 balls, including five sixes. Contributions from Hashmatullah Shahidi (20 off 49) and Rashid Khan (19 off 17) added to Afghanistan’s competitive total.
Australia’s bowling attack was led by Ben Dwarshuis (3/47 in 9 overs), while Spencer Johnson (2/49) and Adam Zampa (2/48) also chipped in with key wickets. Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Ellis claimed a wicket each to wrap up the innings.
Also WATCH: Steve Smith’s fielding brilliance gets rid of Sediqullah Atal in AFG vs AUS clash at Champions Trophy 2025
Australia’s aggressive start
Chasing 274, Australia got off to a flying start, reaching 109/1 in just 12.5 overs before the match was abandoned. Travis Head led the charge with a quickfire 59 off 40 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. Matthew Short added 20 off 15, and Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 19 off 22.
Azmatullah Omarzai was the only successful bowler for Afghanistan, dismissing Short and finishing with 1/43 in 5 overs. However, the Afghan bowlers struggled to contain Australia’s aggressive approach.
Match abandoned – Australia through to the semis
Unfortunately, rain interrupted play, and despite efforts to resume, the match was called off. With the points shared, Australia officially secured a spot in the semifinals, while Afghanistan’s hopes of progressing ended with the result.
The game has been called off#cricket #AFGvAUS #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/wfcOBTH7vJ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 28, 2025
Also WATCH: Josh Inglis plucks a sharp catch to dismiss Rahmat Shah in Champions Trophy 2025