Australia have officially secured their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals following their match against Afghanistan was abandonment at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 28. Persistent rain and the resulting wet outfield forced the cancellation of the game which played a part in Australia's semifinal qualification. Australia thus joined India and New Zealand in the semifinals, who have both qualified from Group A. The final semi-final spot from Group B will be determined by the outcome of Saturday's match between South Africa and England, which will decide whether the Proteas or Afghanistan advance.
Australia through to Champions Trophy semifinal
Afghanistan's batting effort, anchored by Sediqullah Atal's resilient 85 and Azmatullah Omarzai's powerful 67, resulted in a respectable total of 273 runs. In their response, Australia made a strong start, reaching 109 runs for the loss of only one wicket in 12.5 overs. However, their progress was halted by the onset of rain, which ultimately interrupted the match.
Australia has secured a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-finals, marking a resurgence after disappointing performances in the 2013 and 2017 editions, where they failed to win a single match. Despite entering the current tournament with a squad plagued by injuries, the reigning world champions have successfully advanced to the final four.
The abandoned match against Afghanistan at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, caused by a wet outfield after a relatively brief 30-minute rain shower, proved decisive. The washout pushed Australia to the top of the Group B points table with four points. South Africa, who are set to play England on Saturday, are now favored to join Australia in the semi-finals. Afghanistan's hopes hinge on a highly improbable South African loss to England by a margin exceeding 200 runs.
Australia's journey to the semi-finals began with an emphatic victory over England. Their second match against South Africa in Rawalpindi was also abandoned due to rain, preventing any play.
Afghanistan's disappointment is palpable, particularly given their recent triumph over England. Their victory, achieved by successfully defending 325 runs in Lahore on Wednesday, had generated considerable momentum. However, they were unable to replicate that batting performance in their subsequent match against Australia on Friday.
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The Afghan innings got off to a shaky start, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz dismissed for a duck by Spencer Johnson. Ibrahim Zadran, who had delivered a spectacular 177-run innings against England, was also unable to replicate his form, falling for 22 to Adam Zampa, who bowled effectively.
Sediqullah Atal provided a crucial contribution with a well-crafted 85, but he received limited support from the remainder of the middle order. Azmatullah Omarzai, the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, contributed a valuable 67 off 63 balls, which helped Afghanistan achieve a competitive total.
Afghanistan's fielding lapses proved costly, granting early reprieves to Australian batsmen Travis Head and Matt Short. While Short was eventually dismissed for 20 off 15 balls, Head capitalized on the missed opportunities. He delivered a powerful innings, featuring a six and nine boundaries, remaining unbeaten on 59 off 40 balls. After missing out against England, Head's dominant performance served as a strong statement ahead of the knockout stage.
Australia will draw significant confidence from their performance against Afghanistan, particularly their improved bowling display. After conceding over 300 runs against England, their attack demonstrated greater sharpness and control. Spencer Johnson claimed two wickets, while Ben Dwarshuis emerged as the standout bowler with three. Adam Zampa also contributed with two wickets. All-rounder Glenn Maxwell played a valuable role, delivering a crucial six-over spell, conceding only 28 runs and taking one wicket.
The final semi-finalists and their respective standings will be determined on Sunday. England will face South Africa in the concluding Group B match on Saturday in Karachi, while India and New Zealand will compete in the last Group A game in Dubai on March 2.