Afghanistan vs Australia match abandoned due to rain (Image Credit:- X)

Australia becomes the third team to qualify for the semifinal of ICC Champions Trophy after their match against Afghanistan washed out due to rain. India and New Zealand are the other teams qualified for the semi-final earlier.

Afghanistan can qualify for semis if England beat South Africa by 207 runs or more or England chase down the target in 11.1 overs.

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Elected to bat first Afghanistan lost their opener Gurbaz for without scoring. Left arm pacer Spencer Johnson clean bowled him on the fifth delivery of first over.

Sediqullah Atal top scorer for Afghanistan (Image Credit:- X)

Ibrahim Zadran (22 runs from 28 balls) and Sediqullah Atal (85 runs from 95 balls) given Afghanistan the start needed after the early loss of Rahmanullah Gurbaz. They added 67 runs from 76 balls for the second wicket before Zampa dismissed Ibrahim Zadran.

Maxwell dismissed Rahmat Shah (12 runs from 21 balls) cheaply and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi fell to Zampa after scoring 20 runs from 49 balls.

Azmatullah Omarzai’s outstanding innings of 67 runs from 63 balls including one four and 5 sixes and Rashid Khan’s (19 runs from 17 balls) innings at the end helped Afghanistan to reach 273 in their 50 overs).

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Australia given away 37 runs in the form of extras which includes 17 wides , 15 leg byes and 5 byes.

Left arm pacer Ben Dwarshuis picked 3 wickets for 47 runs in his 9 over spell. Adam Zampa (2/48 in 8 overs) , Spencer Johnson (2/49 in 10 overs) , Glenn Maxwell (1/28 in 6 overs) and Nathan Ellis (1/60 in 10 overs) are the other wicket takers for Australia.

Matthew Short (20 runs from 15 balls) and Travis Head (59* runs from 40 balls) given Australia brisk opening stand by scoring 44 runs in 4.3 overs. Afghanistan fielders dropped both Matthew Short and Travis Head once.

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Travis Head and captain Steven Smith (19* runs from 22 balls) put together unbeaten 65 runs from 50 balls partnership before rain forced to wash out the match. Australia were 109/1 in 12.5 overs chasing 274 at the time of rain interruption.

Azmatullah Omarzai (1/43 in 5 overs) is the only wicket taker for Afghanistan.

Next Match (01/03/2025):- England vs South Africa at Karachi, 02:30 PM