ICC Champions Trophy 2025Afghanistan CricketAfghanistan Cricket PlayersAustralia Cricket NewsAustralia vs Afghanistanaustralian cricket playersAzmatullah OmarzaiCricket Match ReportsCricket NewsCricket UpdatesICC Champions TrophyICC Cricket newsLatest Cricket UpdatesLive Cricket UpdatesSports UpdatesTravis Head
Rain Washes Out Australia vs Afghanistan Clash, Seals Semifinal Spot for Aussies
Australia Through to Semifinals as Rain Ends Afghanistan’s Hopes
Australia secured their place in the ICC tournament semifinals as their crucial match against Afghanistan was abandoned due to persistent rain. With this result, Australia joined India and New Zealand in the last four, while Afghanistan’s chances now hang by a thread, relying on a highly unlikely scenario in the upcoming clash between South Africa and England.
Afghanistan’s Fiery Start Before Rain Plays Spoilsport
A Strong Batting Display from Afghanistan
Batting first, Afghanistan showcased their growing confidence on the global stage. Sediqullah Atal starred with a resilient 85 off 95 balls, guiding his team through the initial phase in partnership with Ibrahim Zadran. However, Australia’s spinners turned the tide during the middle overs, causing a mini-collapse. Afghanistan found themselves struggling at 199/7 in the 40th over before a spirited fightback from Azmatullah Omarzai. His 67 off 63 balls pushed the total to a respectable 273 in 50 overs.
Australia’s Blazing Start to the Chase
In response, Australia came out all guns blazing. Travis Head and Matthew Short attacked from the outset, with Head smashing a quickfire 59*. Afghanistan’s bowlers, particularly Fazalhaq Farooqi, struggled to control the swing, conceding heavily in the PowerPlay. By the time rain interrupted play in the 13th over, Australia had raced to 109/1, making them clear favorites to chase down the target. However, with less than 20 overs completed, the DLS method could not be applied, resulting in an abandoned match.
Rain Ends Afghanistan’s Semifinal Dreams
The rain interruption left Afghanistan on the brink of elimination, as their qualification now depends on an improbable outcome in the South Africa vs England fixture. Despite their valiant effort, they will rue their missed chances, particularly on the field where dropped catches allowed Australia’s batters to dominate.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi had hoped the slowing pitch in the second innings would benefit his spinners, but the rain denied them the opportunity to make an impact. Meanwhile, Australia, already in a commanding position, advanced comfortably to the next round.
Brief Score Summary
Afghanistan: 273 in 50 overs (Sediqullah Atal 85, Azmatullah Omarzai 67; Ben Dwarshuis 3-47, Adam Zampa 2-48, Spencer Johnson 2-49)
Australia: 109/1 in 12.5 overs (Travis Head 59*).
Match Abandoned Due to Rain.
Read more about Australia’s journey in the ICC Tournament
Check out the latest ICC rankings and updates
