The Match Was Stopped Due to Rain, Australia Confirmed in the Semi-Final & Afghanistan Close to Elimination

Venue, Toss, and Playing XI

The match was played in Lahore, Pakistan.

Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bat first.

Playing XI:

Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Afghanistan 1st Innings

Afghanistan had a shaky start as they lost their first wicket at just 3 runs. Star opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck by Spencer Johnson on the fifth ball of the first over. However, Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal steadied the innings with a strong 67-run partnership, countering the Australian bowlers well.

Adam Zampa broke the stand, dismissing Zadran for 22. Soon after, Rahmat Shah also fell for 12 runs to Glenn Maxwell. At 91/3, Afghanistan needed stability, and their captain Hashmatullah Shahidi partnered with Sediqullah Atal to add 68 crucial runs.

Sediqullah played a brilliant attacking knock, scoring 85 off 95 balls before Zampa removed him. After his dismissal, Afghanistan struggled to form big partnerships. Hashmatullah and Omarzai added 17 runs, followed by a brief 6-run stand between Omarzai and Nabi. Gulbadin Naib and Omarzai also contributed 17 runs together. However, Australia’s disciplined bowling kept Afghanistan in check.

At 199/7, Rashid Khan and Omarzai tried to accelerate the innings, adding 36 runs. Rashid was dismissed for 19, but Omarzai continued his fine form, reaching his fifty and adding 37 runs with Noor Ahmad. However, Ben Dwarshuis ended Afghanistan’s innings, dismissing Omarzai for 67 and Noor Ahmad for 6. Afghanistan finished at 273/10 in 50 overs.

Australia’s Bowling Performance:

• Ben Dwarshuis: 9 overs, 47 runs, 3 wickets.
• Spencer Johnson: 2 wickets.
• Adam Zampa: 2 wickets.
• Glenn Maxwell & Nathan Ellis: 1 wicket each.

Australia 2nd Innings

Chasing 274, Australia’s openers Matthew Short and Travis Head started aggressively, taking full advantage of the powerplay. They put up a quick 44-run stand in just 27 balls before Short was dismissed for 20 by Omarzai.

Captain Steven Smith joined Head at the crease, and the duo continued to dominate. Head played a brilliant attacking innings, scoring a quick fifty and remaining unbeaten on 59 off 40 balls. Smith contributed 19 runs before the rain interrupted play in the 12.5th over.

With rain intensifying, covers were brought in, and despite efforts to resume the game, the wet outfield and persistent drizzle forced the umpires to abandon the match. Both teams shared one point each.

Afghanistan’s Bowling Performance:

• Azmatullah Omarzai: 1 wicket.

Key Performances

Afghanistan Batting:

• Sediqullah Atal: 85 runs (95 balls)
• Azmatullah Omarzai: 67 runs (63 balls)

Australia Batting:

• Travis Head: 59* runs (40 balls)

Australia Bowling:

• Ben Dwarshuis: 3 wickets, 49 runs, Economy 4.90
• Adam Zampa: 2 wickets, 48 runs, Economy 6.00

Impact on the Tournament

With this match ending in no result, Australia has officially qualified for the semi-finals with 4 points. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is on the brink of elimination with 3 points.

South Africa, also with 3 points, has an upcoming match against England. If South Africa wins, they will qualify for the semi-finals. However, if England defeats South Africa by a significant margin, Afghanistan might still have an outside chance of advancing.

Interestingly, Afghanistan’s fate now depends on England, the very team they eliminated earlier in the tournament.

If you want to see the Champions Trophy 2025 points table, click on the link below.

https://howzdat.live/icc-champions-trophy-2025-points-table-latest-standings-updates/

Match Summary

• Afghanistan: 273/10 (50 overs)
• Australia: 109/1 (12.5 overs)
• Result: Match Drawn (No Result)

Scorecard