Lahore, February 28, 2025: Australia secured a spot in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 after their final group-stage match against Afghanistan was abandoned due to heavy rain at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
With four points from three matches—courtesy of a dominant opening win against England and two rain-affected fixtures—the five-time ODI World Cup winners became the first team to qualify from Group B. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s semi-final hopes are now all but over, as even an England victory over South Africa on Saturday would leave them trailing the Proteas on net run rate.
Before rain stopped play, Australia were cruising at 109/1 in 12.5 overs while chasing Afghanistan’s 273-run target.
Travis Head was leading the charge with an aggressive 59 off 39 balls*, while captain Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 19.* Earlier, Matthew Short and Head had provided a fiery start, adding 44 runs in quick time. However, Azmatullah Omarzai gave Afghanistan a much-needed breakthrough, dismissing Short (20 off 15 balls) before the rain disrupted proceedings.
Batting first, Afghanistan posted 273 in 50 overs, thanks to key half-centuries from Sediqullah Atal (85 off 95) and Azmatullah Omarzai (67 off 63).
Their innings got off to a shaky start as Spencer Johnson cleaned up Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the fifth delivery of the match. However, Atal and Ibrahim Zadran (22) steadied the innings with a crucial 67-run partnership before Zampa dismissed Zadran in the 14th over.
After a mini-collapse saw Afghanistan slip to 199/7 in 40 overs, Omarzai provided late fireworks, smashing five sixes in his 67-run knock, lifting his team to a competitive total.
For Australia, Johnson and Zampa bagged two wickets each, while Maxwell, Nathan Ellis, and Ben Dwarshuis chipped in with a wicket apiece.
With their place in the semi-finals secured, Australia now await their opponents, while Afghanistan’s journey in the tournament nears its end.
