Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard | ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Head-to-Head, Match Time, Live Score, Pitch Report & Playing XI
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 took place on February 28, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. This pivotal Group B match determined a potential semifinalist.
Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
Australia has historically dominated Afghanistan in ODI cricket, winning all previous encounters. This match marked their first meeting in the ICC Champions Trophy format.
- Total Matches Played: 4
- Australia Wins: 4
- Afghanistan Wins: 0
Match Details & Where to Watch
- Date: February 28, 2025
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Match Start Time: 2:30 PM IST
Live Streaming & Broadcast: For global audiences, check official broadcasting platforms for streaming details.
Weather Forecast & Pitch Report
The weather forecast indicated a 40-70% chance of rain from morning to afternoon, increasing the likelihood of interruptions.
Pitch Report: The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is known for being a batting-friendly surface, with previous matches exceeding 300-run totals. Bowlers must rely on variations and tight line-length bowling to restrict scoring. Spinners could play a key role in the middle overs, especially if the pitch slows down later in the game.
Playing XI Squads
Australia Squad:
Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (w), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Tanveer Sangha.
Afghanistan Squad:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Ikram Alikhil, Nangeyalia Kharote, Naveed Zadran.
Match Highlights & Live Score Updates
Afghanistan Batting Scorecard:
- Total: 273/10 (50 overs)
- Top Scorer: Azmatullah Omarzai – 67(63)
- Fall of Wickets: 3/1, 70/2, 91/3, 159/4, 176/5, 182/6, 199/7, 235/8, 272/9, 273/10.
Australia Batting Scorecard:
- Score before Rain Interruption: 109/1 (12.5 overs)
- Batsmen at the Crease: Travis Head – 59*(40), Steve Smith – 19*(22)
- Fall of Wickets: 44/1 (Matt Short, 4.3 overs)
Key Player Performances
- Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG): Led the charge with a well-constructed 67 off 63 balls, providing Afghanistan with a competitive total.
- Travis Head (AUS): Played aggressively, reaching his fifty in just 34 balls, putting Australia in a strong position before the rain delay.
- Rashid Khan (AFG): Took crucial wickets in the middle overs, adding pressure on the Australian batting lineup.
- Adam Zampa (AUS): Bowled tight spells, restricting Afghanistan’s lower order from accelerating in the final overs.
Match Outcome & Implications
The match was abandoned due to rain, securing Australia’s semifinal spot with 4 points. Afghanistan was virtually eliminated unless South Africa lost to England by 207+ runs.
What’s Next?
Australia now awaits their semifinal opponent, while Afghanistan reflects on their campaign and builds for future ICC tournaments. The focus now shifts to South Africa vs England, a match that could still have a slight impact on Afghanistan’s fate.
Final Thoughts
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team match scorecard showcased thrilling performances before the rain interruption. With Australia advancing, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues to deliver intense cricket action.
Stay tuned for more updates, match previews, and in-depth analysis of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025!
