CT25: Rain Washes Out Another CT Match – Australia Advances to Semifinals while Afghans await their fate

 

The rain played spoilsport once again in the Champions Trophy, leading to the abandonment of the Australia-Afghanistan match. With the match being called off, Steve Smith and his team secured their place in the semifinals with four points. Afghanistan’s chances of making it to the last four now depend on the outcome of Saturday’s clash between South Africa and England.

On Friday in Lahore, Afghanistan batted first and posted a total of 273 runs. However, after 12.5 overs of Australia’s innings, rain intervened, and play could not resume. At the time the match was halted, Australia had scored 109 for 1.

Since the game could not be completed, both teams were awarded one point each. With four points in hand, Australia moved into the semifinals, while Afghanistan remained at three points, the same as South Africa. If South Africa defeats England on Saturday, they will top the group and advance to the semifinals. However, if they lose, net run rate will come into play. South Africa holds the advantage in this regard, with a net run rate of 2.14 compared to Afghanistan’s -0.99. For Afghanistan to qualify, South Africa must lose to England by at least 207 runs. If England posts 300 runs while batting first, South Africa would need to be bowled out for 93 for Afghanistan to secure a semifinal spot as the second team from the group, with Australia finishing as group leaders.

Afghanistan had a poor start to their innings once again. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck, while his opening partner Ibrahim Zadran struggled, scoring 22 off 28 balls. Rahmat Shah (12 off 21 balls) also failed to provide stability at No. 3. However, Sediqullah held one end firmly. The Afghan innings lacked the necessary momentum, largely due to their captain Hashmatullah Shahidi’s slow batting. At No. 5, he consumed 33 dot balls, putting pressure on the team. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar compared his batting to Babar Azam’s cautious approach.

Although Sediqullah scored a well-fought 85 off 95 balls, Afghanistan struggled to form any significant partnerships. Later, Azmatullah Omarzai took charge, scoring a brisk 67 off 63 balls, including one four and five sixes. Rashid Khan chipped in with a quick 19 off 17 balls. Australia’s bowlers also helped Afghanistan’s cause by conceding 36 extras, including 17 wides.

Australia’s best bowler was Ben Dwarshuis, who took 3 wickets for 47 runs. Adam Zampa (2/48) and Spencer Johnson (2/49) also made key contributions, while Nathan Ellis and Glenn Maxwell picked up one wicket each.

Chasing a target of 274, Australia’s openers, Matthew Short and Travis Head, started aggressively. Short was dismissed for 20 off 15 balls, but Head remained unbeaten on a scintillating 59 off 40 balls, with Steve Smith on 19 off 22 when rain stopped play. Australia had reached 109 for 1 in 12.5 overs.

At 9:15 PM IST, after inspecting the field, the umpires declared the match abandoned as large patches of water remained on the outfield. Despite efforts using a super sopper, foam, and sand, the ground staff was unable to make the field playable.