Australia has raised its game after the quick knock of Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and veteran allrounder Mohammad Nabi. The Afghan batting order, which did well initially, faces a lot of hard work when the top Aussie bowlers consistently put pressure on this key ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match.
Earlier in the innings, Sediqullah Atal’s 15 runs short of a well-deserved century played an important knock for the Afghanistan left-handed batter. By dismissing his 85-run innings, it was a turning point for Afghanistan, but his impressive innings gave them a strong fixture on which to build. Spencer Johnson shifted the balance back in Australia’s favour with the breakthrough wicket.
It appeared Afghanistan had got off to a good start with openers Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal putting on a solid stand together. However, the Indian game plan was undone when Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa introduced Australian spinners into the game. Afghanistan lost their footing as Zadran and Rahmat Shah were dismissed in quick succession. Afghanistan had already lost wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the very first over, thanks to Spencer Johnson, thereby putting their back foot firmly in this Group B do or die encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
With the overcast conditions, Afghanistan opted to bat first after winning the toss. This was also the second game of the edition that was washed out in this Champions Trophy and there was a threat of rain playing spoilsport. Heavy showers had hit the day before the match and the morning itself in Lahore. Australia can qualify with a point but Afghanistan need to win to stay in contention. But both teams were looking for a full match to put their worth to the test.
Outside of injuries, Australia has been showing resilience and determination. They have a history of performing under pressure and thrive in the crunch.
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