On Friday, February 28, Australia’s match against Afghanistan ended without a result, advancing them to the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals. Both sides faced off in a virtual quarterfinal match, with the winner receiving a ticket to the semifinals. The Australians advance to the next round, though, and Afghanistan will need to pray for a huge favour from the Englishmen in their match against South Africa.
On Friday, Afghanistan chose to bat first after winning the toss.
In the opening over, Rahmanullah Gurbaz again struggled with the bat and Spencer Johnson scored. With a brilliant partnership of 67 runs off 76 balls, Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal gave the Blue Tigers a strong foundation. The former left for 22 without making the most of his start. Afghanistan fell to 91/3 shortly after, and Rahmat Shah also died.
As they formed a 68-run partnership for the fourth wicket, Atal received strong support from captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. But the two hitters were out in quick succession. With three sixes and six fours, Atal scored a calm 85 off 95 balls.
Australia continued to take wickets in the middle overs while Afghanistan struggled at 199/7. But Azmatullah Omarzai helped Afghanistan reach 273 in their 50 overs with a brilliant hit of 67 off 63 balls. Ben Dwarshuis, who finished with statistics of 3/47 in nine overs, was the Australians’ best bowler.
As Matthew Short and Travis Head attacked the Afghans, Australia’s response got off to a fast start. Omarzai removed the former after he scored 20 off 15 balls. Head hammered a 34-ball half-century as he continued to slaughter the Afghan bowling. In 12.5 overs, Australia had rushed to 109/1 when play was halted owing to rain.
The outfield was covered in puddles after a heavy downpour. After assessing the situation, the referees opted to end the match. Assuming a first-innings total of 300 in all scenarios, Afghanistan will now require England to defeat South Africa by at least 207 runs if they bat first or chase the mark within 11.1 overs in order to qualify.
India
