Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy Dream in Jeopardy After Rain-Abandoned Match
Champions Trophy 2025: Australia vs Afghanistan Match Abandoned Due to Rain, Both Teams Share Points
Australia Secures Semifinal Spot, Afghanistan’s Fate Hangs on England vs South Africa Clash
The Champions Trophy 2025 match between Australia and Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain, ensuring Australia’s place in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s hopes now depend on the result of the England vs South Africa match, scheduled for Saturday in Karachi.
Afghanistan Sets a 274-Run Target Before Rain Disrupts Play
The match took place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, where Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first. The team posted a competitive 273 runs before being bowled out in 50 overs. Sediqullah Atal played a crucial knock of 85 runs, while Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 67 runs. Ben Dwarshuis was Australia’s standout bowler, taking three wickets.
In response, Australia was well on track, reaching 109/1, when rain interrupted play. Travis Head was in fine form, scoring 59 runs off 40 balls, while captain Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 19 runs off 22 balls. However, persistent rain forced the match to be abandoned, and both teams were awarded one point each.
What’s Next? Two Possible Scenarios
Australia Advances to the Semifinals: With the additional point, Australia now has four points, confirming their place in the Champions Trophy semifinals.
Afghanistan’s Qualification Depends on England vs South Africa: Afghanistan currently has three points, the same as South Africa. However, South Africa holds a better net run rate. If South Africa wins their match, Afghanistan will be eliminated. But if South Africa loses by a significant margin, Afghanistan could still qualify for the semifinals.
Playing XIs of Both Teams
Australia (AUS):
Steve Smith (Captain), Matthew Short, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper), Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa.
Afghanistan (AFG):
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
With Australia securing a semifinal spot, all eyes are now on the England vs South Africa match, which will determine Afghanistan’s fate. Will Afghanistan progress to the top four, or will South Africa knock them out? Cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the outcome!
