Lahore, Feb 27 (UNI) Fresh from a stunning victory over England, Afghanistan will look to continue their momentum when they take on Australia in the 10th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Friday.
The contest, scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM IST, carries high stakes, as a victory for Afghanistan will secure their place in the semifinals while eliminating Australia from the tournament.
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s side delivered a commanding performance against England, with Rahmatullah Omarzai and Ibrahim Zadran emerging as the heroes. Omarzai’s all-round brilliance and Zadran’s 177 off 146 balls were instrumental in Afghanistan’s triumph, providing the team with renewed confidence ahead of this crucial clash.
Meanwhile, Australia will take heart from Josh Inglis’ unbeaten 120 off just 86 balls in their previous match against England. The wicketkeeper-batter’s counterattacking knock showcased his ability to single-handedly change the course of a game, making him a key player to watch.
With a well-balanced squad, Afghanistan will once again rely on its spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad to exploit the conditions in Lahore.
Rashid, a world-class leg-spinner, remains a game-changer with his ability to dismantle opposition lineups. Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell, a dynamic all-rounder in the Australian camp, can shift momentum quickly with his explosive batting and handy off-spin, making him a crucial player in this do-or-die encounter.
At the top of the order, Travis Head’s fearless approach poses a major threat, as his aggressive stroke play can put pressure on the Afghan bowlers early on.
Afghanistan’s top order will bank on the consistency of Zadran, who anchored the innings against England, while Omarzai’s ability to contribute in both departments adds depth to the side.
Australia, led by Steven Smith, comes into the clash under pressure, knowing that a defeat would end their Champions Trophy campaign. With Head and Matthew Short at the top, followed by Smith and Marnus Labuschagne stabilising the middle order, their batting remains a significant strength. In the bowling department, Adam Zampa’s spin and Nathan Ellis’ pace will be key to countering Afghanistan’s aggressive batting unit.
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is expected to favour batters early on, with spinners coming into play as the match progresses. The average first-innings total hovers around 280-300, and with dew likely to be a factor in the second innings, teams might prefer batting first.
With a semifinal spot on the line, Afghanistan will be determined to continue their dream run, while Australia faces a must-win situation to keep their campaign alive. A thrilling contest awaits as both teams battle for survival.
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