LAHORE – Australia qualified for the semi-final of the Champions Trophy after their crucial match against Afghanistan abandoned due to rain at Gaddafi Stadium.
Before the rain interruption, Australia had scored 109 runs for the loss of one wicket in 12.5 overs while chasing a target of 274.
Earlier, Afghanistan’s innings ended at 273 runs in 50 overs. Their start was shaky as opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz departed for a duck. However, Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal steadied the innings with a 67-run partnership for the second wicket.
Ibrahim Zadran scored 22 runs, while Rahmat Shah managed only 12. Sediqullah Atal top-scored with 85, followed by Azmatullah Omarzai with 67. Hashmatullah Shahidi (20), Mohammad Nabi (1), Gulbadin Naib (4), Rashid Khan (19), and Noor Ahmad (6) contributed modestly.
For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis took 3 wickets, while Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa claimed 2 each. Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Ellis picked up one wicket each.
Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi had opted to bat first after winning the toss.
Afghanistan Squad:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediq Atal, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Australia Squad:
Steve Smith (captain), Travis Head, Matt Short, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
With both teams eyeing a knockout stage spot, this match holds great significance, and an intense contest is expected.
