Champions Trophy 2025: Rain denies result in Afghanistan versus Australia tie

Australia reached the semifinals of the Champions Trophy 2025 after their clash against Afghanistan ended without a result on Friday, February 28. This was a virtual quarterfinal clash for both teams, with the winner getting a ticket to the semifinal. However, the no result takes the Aussies to the next stage, while Afghanistan will have to hope for a massive favour from the Englishmen in their game against South Africa.

Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first on Friday. Spencer Johnson struck in the first over as Rahmanullah Gurbaz faltered with the bat once again. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal formed a fine partnership of 67 runs off 76 balls to lay a solid platform for the Blue Tigers. The former failed to capitalise on his start as he departed for 22. Rahmat Shah also perished soon after as Afghanistan slipped to 91/3.

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi gave good support to Atal, as they formed a 68-run stand for the fourth wicket. However, both batters were dismissed in quick succession. Atal played a sedate knock of 85 off 95 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes.

Australia kept taking wickets through the middle overs as Afghanistan were struggling at 199/7. However, Azmatullah Omarzai played a gem of a knock, scoring 67 off 63 balls to help Afghanistan post 273 in their 50 overs. Ben Dwarshuis was the pick of the bowlers for the Aussies as he finished with figures of 3/47 in nine overs.

In reply, Australia got off to a flying start as Matthew Short and Travis Head took the attack to the Afghans. The former was dismissed by Omarzai for a 15-ball 20. Head continued pulverising the Afghan bowlers, slamming a 34-ball half-century. When play was stopped due to rain, Australia had raced to 109/1 in 12.5 overs.

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After a heavy burst of rain, plenty of puddles emerged on the outfield. The umpires inspected the conditions and decided to call off the game. Afghanistan will now need England to beat South Africa by at least 207 runs if they bat first or chase the target within 11.1 overs (assuming a first-innings total of 300 in both cases) to qualify.