The Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between Afghanistan and Australia at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, ended without a result due to persistent rain and a wet outfield. This outcome confirmed Australia’s place in the semifinals, while Afghanistan’s campaign came to an end.
Afghanistan’s Resilient Batting Performance
Afghanistan, batting first, posted a competitive total of 273 all out in 50 overs. Despite an early setback with Rahmanullah Gurbaz dismissed for a duck, Sediqullah Atal anchored the innings with a brilliant 85 off 95 balls, including six fours and three sixes. Azmatullah Omarzai provided a late flourish, scoring 67 off 63 balls with five sixes. Contributions from Hashmatullah Shahidi (20 off 49) and Rashid Khan (19 off 17) further bolstered Afghanistan’s total.
The Australian bowling attack was led by Ben Dwarshuis, who took 3/47 in 9 overs, while Spencer Johnson (2/49) and Adam Zampa (2/48) also made crucial breakthroughs. Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Ellis chipped in with a wicket each to wrap up the innings.
Watch: Steve Smith’s Fielding Brilliance Dismisses Sediqullah Atal in Afg vs Aus Clash | ICC 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 blistering 59 off 40 balls, including nine fours and a six. Matthew Short contributed 20 off 15, while Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 19 off 22.
Azmatullah Omarzai was the only successful bowler for Afghanistan, dismissing Matthew Short and finishing with figures of 1/43 in 5 overs. Despite their efforts, Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to contain Australia’s aggressive batting.
Match Abandoned – Australia Advances to Semifinals
Rain interrupted the match, and despite attempts to resume play, the game was eventually called off. With the match ending in a no-result, Australia secured a spot in the semifinals through shared points, while Afghanistan’s hopes of progressing were dashed.
The game has been abandoned. #cricket #AfgvAus #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/wfcOBTH7vJ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 28, 2025
