The Australia vs Afghanistan ICC Champions League 2025 match ends in a no result as rain dampens the outfield. With this, the Aussies reach the semi-final and the Afghans' hope now rest on the result of England vs South Africa
Australia sealed their spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals after their Group B clash against Afghanistan, effectively a virtual quarter-final, was called off due to rain at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, February 28, 2025. (Match Highlights | More Cricket News)
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first--a decision that Rashid Khan may have soon regretted as his team suffered early setbacks. Spencer Johnson (2/49) struck early, cleaning up Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a five-ball duck, while Ibrahim Zadran (22 off 28) fell to Adam Zampa after a loose shot.
Despite the shaky start, Afghanistan managed to post a competitive total of 273, thanks to Sediqullah Atal's gritty 85 and Azmatullah Omarzai's late explosive 67.
Atal anchored the innings after a shaky start, but it was Omarzai's late fireworks that propelled Afghanistan past 270 after they were 235 for 8 following Rashid Khan's dismissal.
Omarzai's 63-ball knock under pressure had five sixes and one four. He launched two massive sixes off Nathan Ellis in the penultimate over, including a breathtaking 102m hit over midwicket, sending the ball over Glenn Maxwell at the boundary.
He then struck a towering six wide of long-off as Afghanistan produced a late flourish for a total that would give their spin-heavy bowling lineup a big boost.
Now, during Australia's chase of 274 run-target, the match was halted by a downpour when they were at 109 for 1 in 12.5 overs.
Despite the ground staffs' efforts to clear the field, several pools of water remained on the pitch and the umpires ultimately declared the match abandoned after an inspection.
The interruption came just an hour before the cut-off time for completing the match.
At the time of interruption, Travis Head was in superb form, having scored 59 runs off 40 balls, including nine fours and one six.
His knock came after a lucky reprieve when Rashid Khan dropped him on six, diving at mid-on off Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Head capitalised on this opportunity and dominated the Afghanistan bowlers, particularly taking 28 runs off Farooqi's 17 balls.
Skipper Steve Smith was at the other end, playing a more measured knock with 19 not out from 22 balls, including two boundaries.
With the game called off, Australia advanced to the semifinals with four points. Their last match against South Africa in Rawalpindi was also abandoned.
For Afghanistan to qualify, England must beat South Africa by at least 207 runs if they bat first. If England chase, they’ll need to meet the target in only 11.1 overs (assuming a first-innings total of 300). A massive ask, but Afghanistan will be hoping for a miracle.
South Africa will take on England on Saturday, March 1.
(With PTI Inputs)