Afghanistan vs Australia Highlights, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Australia qualify for semis; Afghanistan mathematically alive

Right then, we finally have one confirmed team from Group B in the semifinals and now, just one spot remains, which will be ascertained in the very next game. South Africa face-off against England at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday, March 1. A win for the Proteas and they will top their group, but a loss and they might still make it to the top 4, which then would be the same top 4 that we saw in the ODI World Cup in late 2023. Jos Buttler, though, would want to sign off on a high as England's white-ball skipper, and it should be an interesting game with no rain forecasted in Karachi for now. That game will begin at 9 am GMT, but you can join us a lot sooner for the build-up. Till then, take care and goodbye!

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of Afghanistan, says that it is unfortunate that they couldn't get a result and adds that it was a good game. Mentions that they should have got over 300 runs but lauds the opposition for bowling well in the middle phase. Says that even 270 was a defendable total, but the bowlers didn't hit their strides early on. On Sediqullah Atal, he says that in the first two games, he didn't play as expected but came back well and did well under pressure and hopes he carries on. On Azmatullah Omarzai, he says that Azmat is a top player and that is why he is the Men's ODI CRicketer of the Year and performances well under pressure and hopefully, he can also carry on in the same manner. On his own batting form, he says that it was a bad day for him and will speak with the coach with where things went wrong and will learn from today and ends up saying that, you never know, you still have hope.

Steve Smith, the skipper of Australia, says that it has been a good result as they started the tournament and they have finished in the top two to go into the semi-final, which is pretty satisfying for them. Adds that the bowlers did a really good job as they kept it simple and just tried to take wickets. Restricting them around 270 was top-notch. Talks about the extras as Spencer Johnson was bowling a bit wayward but overall, they bowled really well, created many opportunities, and hit the pads on numerous occasions. That was a good performance by the whole group, but it is a shame that the game has ended as whitewashed. Talks about the preparations for the semi-final, as they will look at that and make game plans as per the team they will be up against. Says about Travis Head’s batting that he is a class player and when he starts going, he becomes so tough to bowl to. Concludes that they have guys in the group who can do well and can come up and rise on the occasion when the team wants from them.

Next up, a chat with the two skippers...

Let's recap the match now, it all started with Hashmatullah Shahidi winning the toss and sticking to his team's strength by opting to bat first. Afghanistan looked shaky at the start again, but Sediqullah Atal put his hands up and played a counter-attacking knock after starting off in a sluggish manner. It was a tussle in the middle orders but the Aussie spinners did well to pick up wickets at regular intervals before Spencer Johnson came back on and got his side a big breakthrough. Atal missed on a ton, but Azmatullah Omarzai yet again showed his prowess in this format by scoring a quickfire half-century and took his side over the 270-mark. In reply, Australia got off to a flying start but Afghanistan did create a couple of catching opportunities, which were put down before Travis Head got into rhythm and knocked a big chunk off the target in a flash. However, the rain came in before Afghanistan could even give Rashid Khan a go, and it was pretty heavy. Unfortunately, even after stopping, the ground just couldn't be readied in time to get at least 20 overs in the chase and constitute a full game.

UPDATE - 3.51 pm GMT - The visuals are telling! The two umpires head up to the dressing rooms and shake hands with a captain each and as we feared, the MATCH HAS BEEN CALLED OFF! A disappointing way for Afghanistan to bow out, given so much was on line but Australia have now confirmed their place in the semifinals. Afghanistan are not 100 percent out yet but given the margin of defeat the Proteas need to suffer at the hands of England, more or less has sealed their fate.

UPDATE - 3.45 pm GMT - On cue, the umpires make their way out to the middle. A lot of the areas on the outfield have been dried up but there are certainly some areas still of concern. The umpires are walking and pressing their feet, trying to gauge whether the ground is too soft or fit enough for the players. It seems like there will be another inspection and there's about an hour and a half left before no play would be possible. The umpires seem to be in conversation with the curator as well. We might get a substantial update soon.

UPDATE - 3.12 pm GMT - Right then, the mop-up work has sped up as they know they need to move along if there's any chance of play happening. Also, there is an official inspection scheduled for 3.45 pm GMT, about half an hour away from now, so, we should get a clearer picture soon. Stick around.

UPDATE - 3 pm GMT - The two umpires are now out in the middle and are having a huge conversation about the state of the outfield. The ground staff are ticking along, trying their best but the drainage doesn't seem the best as it generally doesn't rain like this in Lahore off-season. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that the ground gets safe enough for the players to play.

UPDATE - 2.38 pm GMT - Some positive visuals coming in from the Gaddafi Stadium and the rain has stopped! However, looking at the condition of the outfield, there are multiple puddles on the outfield and a big mop-up job is there to be done and it will certainly take a fair chunk of time. But, at least for now, we have positive news. Stick around for more updates regarding the state of play. Also, as per a few sources, the cut-off time for the chase to restart and constitute a 20-over game is 5.11 pm GMT.

UPDATE - 2.28 pm GMT - Not much to report from the ground right now but let's talk about some scenarios. A washout will definitely benefit Australia and assure them a place in the semifinals but it will also keep Afghanistan in the hunt, just about though as even if South Africa lose against England, their net run-rate is so superior that the Afghans might not go through. Neither team will want a washout here and there's still over half an hour left before we start losing overs but water has started to form a layer at certain areas on the outfield. Let's hope for the best, stay tuned for more updates.

UPDATE - 2.10 pm GMT - It is now a proper downpour in Lahore and the fans are diving for cover and there isn't much overhead covering in the stands. A bit unexpected this rain late in the evening as chances were more of rain at the beginning of the game. But thankfully, there is a gusty wind as well, which might help blow away the rain sooner. Stay tuned for further updates. Also, it seems like in the Jos Buttler news early on, he will captain the side for one last time against South Africa before stepping down, as confirmed by the ECB.

UPDATE - 2.02 pm GMT - Oh, no! It has started to drizzle in Lahore and the umpires have called out the covers. The players are going off the field, and we will have to see how much time it will take to clear out here in Lahore, as it was expected that the rain would interrupt the game. The rain has intensified now as we write this update, but there's a long way to go before we start worrying about the game. Also, just to let everyone know, as per the rules for this Champions Trophy, in the knockout matches, the team batting second will have the opportunity to play at least 25 overs - as opposed to 20 in the group stage - for the result to be decided via the DLS method.

Noor Ahmad to Travis Head, FOUR! Nicely done! Fractionally short but well wide outside off, Travis Head hangs back, creates room and cuts it late and wide of backward point for a boundary.

Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Just a smidge fuller on leg, Smith leans on and clips it across in front of square leg for one.

Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Dragged length on off, sitting up as well, Smith goes back and across and punches it sweetly behind deep point for a couple of runs more.

Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Bowled quicker and fuller around leg, Steve Smith sits down to sweep but misses. The ball thuds away off the pads and down to fine leg for a couple of leg byes.

Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Nagging length on fourth stump, Smith gets across and covers the line of the ball before blocking it off.

Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Length ball outside off, sits up a bit, Travis Head backs away and firms it down to the right of Rashid Khan at long off and comes back for the second run. 100 up for Australia in just 12 overs!

Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, On a shortish length and around the fifth stump line, eased away square through the point region for a single by Smith.

Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Quicker through the air and darted in at the legs, Smith tentatively keeps it out.

Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, This is angled in at the pads, Travis Head goes on the back foot and flicks it through backward square leg for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, On the shorter side and around off, punched away from the crease and straight to covers.

Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Good stop! On a length, sliding it onto middle, Head rocks back and punches it wide of covers where Hashmatullah Shahidi makes a diving stop.

Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Nagging length, angled well across off and keeping a bit low, Smith backs away to cut but is beaten.

Noor Ahmad to Travis Head, Quick and flat, sliding on from around off, punched away from thecrease through extra cover for one.

Noor Ahmad to Travis Head, FIFTY up for Travis Head in just 34 balls and it is a 17th ODI half-century for him. Fractionally short, angling into middle and leg, whipped away off the back foot and wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Ominous signs these for Afghanistan as Head has a history of taking the game away from the opposition quickly.

Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Slows it up but keeps it short and well outside off, Steve Smith reachs for it and hits it in front of square through covers for another single.

Noor Ahmad to Travis Head, Another one that is just dragged down a bit and on the pads, Head rocks back and flicks it down to fine leg for one more.

Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Begins with a bit of a short and wide one, Smith backs away and cuts it down to deep backward point for one.

Powerplay 2! Afghanistan will be a bit relieved that that field can now spread and as many as 4 fielders are now allowed outside the inner ring till the 40th over. Also, Noor Ahmad comes into the attack.

Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Floated up, around off, Smith comes forward and nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Nagging length, outside off, Smith pushes it back to the bowler off the back foot.

Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Keeps it shorter, touch outside off, Smith punches it off the back foot but straight to cover. 

Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Drags his length, around middle, Smith drops it down to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Floated up, around middle, Head comes forward and pushes it to long off for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, In the air... but falls safe! Tossed up, around middle, Travis Head comes down the track and looks to loft it towards mid-wicket but he doesn't reach to the pitch of the ball and mistimes it in the air towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 

THIS JUST IN! Big news coming in from the English camp is that Jos Buttler has just resigned as skipper of the ODI squad. It will be interesting to see who leads England in their last group game against South Africa. A couple of tough ICC campaigns for Buttler, facing disappointment in the 2023 ODI World Cup and now in the Champions Trophy as well.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, Leg bye! Similar length, around middle, Head looks to flick it but misses and gets hit on the front pad. He runs off for a quick single as the ball rolls away towards short fine leg.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, On a good length, around middle, Head pushes it to mid off.

Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, FOUR! THREE IN A ROW! Now, Omarzai goes for a short-of-a-length ball, around middle, Travis Head stays on the back foot and flicks it away to fine leg for another boundary. 

Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, FOUR! EDGED AND BOUNDARY! On a good length, and well outside off, Travis Head stands tall and swings at it but gets a thick outside edge that flies to the right of the keeper for another boundary. 

Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, FOUR! UP AND OVER! Omarzai rolls his fingers, on a length and outside off, Travis Head premediates to go for a big shot and he gets deceived by the lack of pace but he still goes for that lofted shot and gets it well over wide mid on for a boundary. 

Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, A sharp bouncer, angling into the body, around middle, Travis Head ducks under it. 

Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Slider, around middle, Smith loks to flick it but gets a leading edge back to the bowler. 

Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Similar length, around leg, Head turns it wide of square leg for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Drags his length, around off, Smith knocks it down to long on for a single.

Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Leg bye! Flatter, full down the leg side, follows the batter, Travis Head makes room and looks to flick it but misses and gets hit on the front pad. The ball goes in the air and wide of the first slip fielder where Gulbadin Naib can't collect it and the batters run for a leg bye. 

Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Nagging length, around leg, Travis Head makes room and just pushes it down the ground for a couple of runs. Rashid Khan runs across from long off and keeps it down to two.

Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Tossed up, around middle, Steve Smith comes forward and works it away to deep square leg for a single.