WEBDESK: Group B in the Champions Trophy is all set for a big finish as Afghanistan take on Australia on Friday, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore for a spot in the semi-finals.
After knocking out Jos Butler’s England team from the ICC Champions Trophy in a high-scoring encounter at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, the Afghan side must be pumped up for their last group B match against Australia.
Australia and Afghanistan have met in some amazing matches in recent times.
At the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup, a Glenn Maxwell classic (201 runs innings) helped Australia across the line. Afghanistan would pull one back against the Aussies at last year’s Men’s T20 World Cup in another thriller.
If the AFG vs AUS game ends in a win for Australia, they will reach the semi-finals along with South Africa. Whereas, if Afghanistan win, they will qualify and the second semi-final spot for Group B will be determined after the match between South Africa and England, scheduled for 1st March in Karachi.
AFG vs AUS Weather Report
However, rain remains a major concern, as weather forecasts predict 40-70% chances of showers from 6 AM to 3 PM, potentially delaying the match. If the game is abandoned, Australia will progress to the semifinals, while Afghanistan’s fate will hinge on South Africa’s final group-stage game.
Recent Form
Afghanistan: Their form has been mixed, but they will be entering the AFG vs AUS game full of confidence, after defeating England in a thrilling encounter on Wednesday. That game came after a 107 run loss to South Africa in their first game of the tournament. Before the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan won their last four series defeating Ireland, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.
Australia: Australia launched their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign in some fashion after winning the game was England in style before their game vs South Africa was washed out because of rain. Australia entered the Champions Trophy in shaky form after losing 2-0 to Sri Lanka in their last ODI series. The Australian team is looking to make a deep push in the Champions Trophy without their star bowlers – Pat Cummins, Josh Hazelwood and Mitchell Starc, who are all unavailable for different reasons.
Player spotlight for AFG vs AUS game
Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran
After his record breaking 177 off 146 balls against England, there’s no doubt that Ibrahim Zadran remains a cornerstone figure in the team. Australia’s bowling attack is light on experience and this match up in the AFG vs AUS is going to important.
Australia: Spencer Johnson
Given how important top order runs are for Afghanistan, Spencer Johnson will be looking to restrict them during the power play and look for wickets early on. After 0/54 off seven overs against England, Johnson will be desperate to hone in and change his fortunes in AFG vs AUS game.
Squads
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran
Australia: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa
