Afghanistan vs Australia Highlights, Champions Trophy 2025 Match 10: Match Abandoned Due to Wet Outfield

Afghanistan vs Australia Live Coverage ends

Australia's Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Afghanistan in Lahore ended in a no-result due to persistent rain, securing Australia's place in the semifinals with four points. Chasing 274, Australia was well-placed at 109/1 in 12.5 overs, with Travis Head (59* off 40) in sublime form, before the weather intervened. Earlier, Afghanistan posted a competitive 273, courtesy of Sediqullah Atal's 85 and Azmatullah Omarzai's brisk 67. Ben Dwarshuis (3/47) led Australia's bowling effort.

With the washout, Afghanistan's semifinal fate now hinges on the England-South Africa match. A South Africa win will eliminate Afghanistan, while an England victory will bring Net Run Rate (NRR) into play. However, Afghanistan's NRR (-0.99) puts them at a serious disadvantage, making their chances slim. All eyes now turn to the England-South Africa encounter, which will determine the second semifinalist from Group B.

We fold our Live coverage on that note. Please do join us tomorrow for the England vs South Africa match Live from Karachi

Afghanistan vs Australia Live Score: How Afghanistan can qualify for semifinal?

Breaking down the qualification scenario for semifinal following the wash out:

• Australia Through to Semifinals: With the match being washed out, both teams share a point each. This takes Australia to four points, securing their spot in the semifinals.
• Afghanistan's Fate Hinges on England vs South Africa: Afghanistan remains on three points and now depends on the outcome of the England-South Africa clash.
• South Africa Win = Afghanistan Eliminated: If South Africa beats England, they will top Group B with five points, joining Australia in the semifinals, eliminating Afghanistan.
• England Win = NRR Decider: If England wins, Afghanistan and South Africa will both have three points. The second semifinalist will then be determined by Net Run Rate (NRR).
• Afghanistan's NRR Disadvantage: Afghanistan's NRR of -0.99 puts them at a serious disadvantage. For them to qualify, South Africa must suffer a massive defeat, which seems highly unlikely.
• All Eyes on England vs South Africa: With Afghanistan's fate out of their hands, their semifinal hopes now rest solely on the result of the final Group B match.

CT 2025 Live Updates: Match called off, Australia qualify for semifinals

It's confirmed! The match is called off as both sides are shaking hands in the dressing room balcony! This means Australia are through to the semifinal while Afghanistan will hope that England beat South Africa by big margin tomorrow!

AUS vs AFG Live, Group B: Inspection is over

The umpires' inspection is done and it looks like a bad news is coming soon as the umpires are not looking happy after talking to the pitch curator

Australia vs Afghanistan Live: Umpire inspection begins

Umpires' inspection begins asAlex Wharf, Kumar Dharmasena are spotted walking into the ground

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 LIVE: Losing overs

While we await the umpires' inspection in another 5 minutes, it's important to note that we are losing overs already. If and when the match resumes, expect a revised target. This is only getting tougher for Afghanistan

AFG vs AUS Live Score: Umpire inspection delayed

The umpire inspection is delayed to 9:15 PM IST (8:45 PM local time) while the groundsmen can be seen putting sand on the wet outfield. Looks like a tough job to have the ground ready!

Champions Trophy 2025 Live Updates

Stay tuned as the umpires inspection of the field is coming up soon!

Afghanistan vs Australia Live Score: Umpire inspection at 9 pm

Expect an update at 9 PM IST (8:30 PM local time) as the umpires will do an inspection. Meanwhile the groundsmen are busy drying the outfield

CT 2025 Live Updates: Umpires inspection underway, Super sopper is out!

The umpires are out on the ground for an inspection and are not looking too impressed at the moment with the huge puddles of water. Good thing is Super sopper is doing its job already!

AUS vs AFG Live, Group B: Groundsmen at work!

As you can see from the latest image from the venue, groundsmen are taking off cover while there are puddles of water on the outfield. Some serious efforts are needed to dry this ground, one can hope the venue has the infrastructure for it!

Australia vs Afghanistan Live: Covers are coming off!

The rain has stopped completely while the groundsmen are out on the field to take off the cover. However, still a lot of work awaits with the outfield waterlogged!

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 LIVE: Heavy Rain Leaves Outfield Waterlogged - Cleanup Could Take Hours

The rain has left significant puddles on the outfield, making resumption increasingly uncertain. With the cut-off time set at 10:11 pm, ground staff face a massive task. Even if the drizzle stops soon, expert assessments suggest it could take at least two hours to make conditions playable.

For now, the wait continues, with Australia hoping for a chance to resume their chase. A no-result would see them through, but Afghanistan will be hoping for a miracle from the skies.

AFG vs AUS Live Score: Rain Intensifies – Fans Rush for Cover

The rain has turned into a full-fledged downpour in Lahore, forcing fans to flee the uncovered stands in search of shelter. What was a 75% capacity crowd-largely Afghan supporters-has quickly thinned out. Meanwhile, concerns grow as the ground staff struggles to fully cover the bowler's run-ups at one end.

Play remains halted, and with 20 overs required to constitute a match, time is ticking. Australia, at 109/1 in 12.5 overs, needs to reach 123 if play resumes for 20 overs and 191 for a 30-over contest. Crucially, a no-result would be enough for them to advance. There's an hour of extra time available -- stay tuned for further updates.

Champions Trophy 2025 Live Updates: Rain Halts Play - Australia in Command

Rain has interrupted play in Lahore, with Australia well-placed at 109/1 in 12.5 overs while chasing 274. Travis Head (59* off 40) and Steven Smith (19* off 22) have built a strong platform, maintaining an impressive scoring rate of 8.49.

If the match does not resume, Australia will qualify for the semifinals as they will have more points than Afghans on points table. However, given Australia's aggressive start, they remain strong favourites at this stage. Stay tuned for further updates.

Afghanistan vs Australia Live Score: Australia in control as Head nears fifty

Travis Head continues to dominate, racing to 48* off 32 balls with some exquisite stroke play. The left-hander smashed three consecutive boundaries off Azmatullah Omarzai, punishing Afghanistan for dropping him earlier. Steven Smith has been steady at the other end, rotating the strike well. Mohammad Nabi kept things tight in his two overs, conceding just nine runs, but Afghanistan desperately need a breakthrough to slow Australia's chase.

Australia 90/1 in 10 overs (Target 274)
Travis Head 48*(32), Steven Smith 13*(13);Australia need 184 runs
Mohammad Nabi 2-0-9-0, Azmatullah Omarzai 5-0-43-1

CT 2025 Live Updates 50 up for Australia as run rate increases

Travis Head accelerates as Australia continue their charge! The left-hander smashes three boundaries in Fazalhaq Farooqi's over, showing his class with a mix of power and timing. Earlier, Steven Smith got going instantly with back-to-back fours off Azmatullah Omarzai. Afghanistan need to break this partnership quickly before it gets out of hand.

Australia 64/1 in 6 overs (Target 274)
Travis Head 29*(18), Steven Smith 8*(3)
Fazalhaq Farooqi 3-0-32-0, Azmatullah Omarzai 3-0-28-1

AUS vs AFG Live, Group B: Azmatullah dismisses Matthew Short

CATCH TAKEN! Afghanistan finally get the breakthrough after two missed chances! Rashid Khan and the deep square leg fielder put down straightforward catches, giving both Travis Head and Matthew Short reprieves. However, Short's luck runs out as he mistimes a whip off Azmatullah Omarzai straight to Gulbadin Naib. Australia had been cruising with Head finding boundaries, including a flicked six off Fazalhaq Farooqi. Afghanistan will hope this wicket slows down the scoring rate.

Australia 43/1 in 4.3 overs (Target 274)
Travis Head 17*(15), Steven Smith 0*(0)
Azmatullah Omarzai 2.3-0-19-1, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2-0-20-0

Australia vs Afghanistan Live: Matthew Short with early onslaught

Matthew Short takes the attack to Afghanistan, smashing 14 runs off Azmatullah Omarzai's over, including a six and two fours. He rides his luck with a thick outside edge for four but follows it up with a cleanly struck pull over cow corner. Travis Head also finds the boundary earlier, dispatching Fazalhaq Farooqi through mid-wicket. Afghanistan's bowlers are struggling to contain Australia's openers, who are off to a flying start.

Australia 32/0 in 3 overs (Target 274)
Matthew Short 19*(13), Travis Head 6*(5)
Azmatullah Omarzai 2-0-18-0 | Fazalhaq Farooqi 1-0-14-0

AFG vs AUS Live Score: Australia's chase begins

Australia's chase of 274 begins with Matthew Short and Travis Head on the crease while tournament's leading wicket-taker Azmatullah Omarzai starts with the new ball following his heroics with the bat

Australia 4/0 in 1 over (Target 274)
Matthew Short 4* Travis Head 0*

Champions Trophy 2025 Live Updates: Afghanistan innings summary

Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 273 in their allotted 50 overs, with Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai playing crucial knocks. Atal laid the foundation with a well-paced 85 off 95 balls, while Omarzai provided the finishing flourish with a blistering 67 off 63, including five sixes.

The innings saw phases of both consolidation and acceleration. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Afghanistan managed to push past the 250-run mark, largely due to Omarzai's late blitz. The last five overs yielded 43 runs for the loss of three wickets, helping Afghanistan post a respectable score.

Australia's bowlers kept things in check, with Ben Dwarshuis emerging as the most effective, claiming 3 for 47. Adam Zampa (2/48) and Spencer Johnson (2/49) also chipped in with key breakthroughs. With spin expected to play a role, Afghanistan's bowlers will look to make early inroads against Australia's formidable batting lineup.

INNINGS CHANGE! 🔁

Sediqullah Atal (85) and @AzmatOmarzay (67) scored half-centuries to help Afghanistan post 273/10 runs on the board in the first inning. 👏

Over to our bowling unit now...! 👍#AfghanAtalan | #ChampionsTrophy | #AFGvAUS | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/sYZxDZ6AMx

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 28, 2025

Afghanistan vs Australia Live Score: Afghanistan Set a Par Target of 274

Afghanistan's innings wrapped up at 273 in 50 overs, with Azmatullah Omarzai leading the charge with a brilliant 67 off 63 balls. His late blitz, including five sixes, gave the innings a strong finish. Ben Dwarshuis was Australia's standout bowler, claiming 3 for 47, including the key wicket of Omarzai in the final over.

The last five overs yielded 43 runs for 3 wickets, helping Afghanistan post a competitive total. With spin likely to play a role, the bowlers will look to make inroads early against Australia's formidable batting lineup.

AFG 273 all out (50 overs)
Sediqullah Atal 85 (95), Azmatullah Omarzai 67(63)
Ben Dwarshuis 47/3, Adam Zampa 2/48, Spencer Johnson 2/49

CT 2025 Live Updates: Azmatullah Omarzai Brings Up Fifty, Afghanistan Cross 250

Azmatullah Omarzai continues to anchor Afghanistan's innings, bringing up a well-compiled half-century with a drive to sweeper cover. His knock has been a crucial one, providing stability after the fall of wickets. Earlier in the over, he launched a massive 103m six straight down the ground, showcasing his power-hitting ability. With Afghanistan crossing the 250-run mark, they have set themselves up for a competitive finish in the last two overs.

AFG 254/8 in 48 overs
Azmatullah Omarzai 50*(54) | Noor Ahmad 5*(6)
Ben Dwarshuis 8-0-43-1

AUS vs AFG Live, Group B: Rashid Falls After an Entertaining Cameo

OUT! Rashid Khan's attacking knock comes to an end as he miscues a short delivery from Ben Dwarshuis straight to Glenn Maxwell at long-on. The leg-spinner had just struck a boundary but couldn't keep his pull shot down, handing Australia their eighth wicket. With just a few overs left, Afghanistan will need Azmatullah Omarzai to anchor the finish.

AFG 236/8 in 45.4 overs
Azmatullah Omarzai 38*(45) | Noor Ahmad 1*(1)
Ben Dwarshuis 6.4-0-35-1

Australia vs Afghanistan Live: Rashid Finds the Fence as Afghanistan Build Towards a Final Surge

Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai continue to push Afghanistan forward, with Rashid slicing a crucial boundary off Nathan Ellis to keep the scoreboard ticking. Omarzai, meanwhile, reached 1000 ODI runs, a fine milestone in his young career. With five overs to go, Afghanistan will look to accelerate and breach the 250-run mark.

AFG 230/7 in 45 overs
Azmatullah Omarzai 37(44), Rashid Khan 15(15)
Nathan Ellis 8-0-36-1 | Ben Dwarshuis 6-0-29-0

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 LIVE: Omarzai Powers On as Rashid Khan Joins Him at the Crease

Afghanistan push past the 200-run mark despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Azmatullah Omarzai continues to anchor the innings, smashing a massive 98m six off Adam Zampa in the 43rd over. Rashid Khan has joined him in the middle and is looking to settle in. With seven overs remaining, Afghanistan will aim for a strong finish to put up a competitive total.

AFG 217/7 in 43 overs
Azmatullah Omarzai 31(38), Rashid Khan 8(9)
Adam Zampa 8-0-48-2 | Nathan Ellis 7-0-29-1

AFG vs AUS Live Score: Ellis Strikes as Afghanistan Lose Another Wicket

OUT! Afghanistan suffer another setback as Nathan Ellis removes Gulbadin Naib for 4, caught behind by Josh Inglis. Naib struggled to get going, and after a lucky escape on the previous ball, he finally edged one to the keeper. Australia continues to tighten their grip, reducing Afghanistan to 199/7 after 40 overs. With only 10 overs remaining, much now depends on Azmatullah Omarzai to push the total past 250.

AFG 199/7 in 40 overs
Azmatullah Omarzai 21(29)* Rashid Khan 0(0)*
Nathan Ellis 6-0-25-1 | Spencer Johnson 10-0-49-2

Champions Trophy 2025 Live Updates: Afghanistan Steady After Quick Blows

After losing two wickets in quick succession, Afghanistan is cautiously rebuilding at 197/6 after 39 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai (20*) and Gulbadin Naib (3*) are looking to settle in, with Omarzai showing intent despite some plays and misses. Spencer Johnson, with figures of 10-0-49-2, has been sharp, while Nathan Ellis kept things tight. With 11 overs left, Afghanistan will need a strong finish to post a competitive total.

AFG 197/6 in 39 overs
Azmatullah Omarzai 20(28), Gulbadin Naib 3(7)
Spencer Johnson 10-0-49-2 | Nathan Ellis 5-0-23-0

Afghanistan vs Australia Live Score: Afghanistan in Trouble as Two Quick Wickets Fall

Australia strikes twice in quick succession to leave Afghanistan struggling at 182/6 in 36.4 overs. Adam Zampa set the collapse in motion by dismissing Hashmatullah Shahidi, and moments later, a chaotic run-out sent Mohammad Nabi back for just 1. Looking for a quick single, Nabi hesitated and was caught short by Josh Inglis and Spencer Johnson's sharp work. With momentum shifting, Afghanistan needs a steadying partnership to rebuild from here.

AFG 182/6 in 36.4 overs
Azmatullah Omarzai 16(21)* Gulbadin Naib 0*
Spencer Johnson 8.4-0-46-2 | Adam Zampa 6-0-34-2

CT 2025 Live Updates: Zampa strikes down Hasmatullah Shahidi!

SOFT DISMISSAL! Adam Zampa delivers a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Hashmatullah Shahidi for a hard-fought 20 off 49 balls. Struggling to accelerate, Shahidi attempted a ramp sweep but only managed to miscue it to Labuschagne at backward square leg. Afghanistan's scoring rate has dipped, and with five wickets down, they need a stabilising partnership.

Azmatullah Omarzai remains at the crease, showing intent with a big six off Matthew Short in the previous over while experienced Mohammad Nabi joins him at the crease

AFG 176/5 in 35.4 overs
Azmatullah Omarzai 12(16)* Mohammad Nabi 0(0)*
Adam Zampa 5.4-0-32-2 | Matthew Short 7-0-21-0