Table of Contents
Australia and Afghanistan are set to face off in a do-or-die encounter in Match 10 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, February 28. This highly anticipated contest will determine which team advances to the semi-finals, adding immense pressure on both sides.
At present, Australia sits in second place in Group B with 3 points, while Afghanistan follows in third place with 2 points. Group leaders South Africa also have 3 points, making the qualification race incredibly tight. A victory for either Australia or Afghanistan will secure their place in the knockout stage. However, if Afghanistan loses, they will be eliminated, confirming semi-final spots for both Australia and South Africa. For Australia, even a defeat may not end their campaign, as they could still qualify if England manages to beat South Africa in their final group match.
Afghanistan’s confidence soars after historic win over England
Afghanistan heads into this game on the back of a momentous 8-run victory over England, a result that eliminated the defending champions and kept Afghanistan’s semi-final hopes alive. This win, Afghanistan’s first-ever in Champions Trophy history, highlighted their growing stature on the international stage.
Ibrahim Zadran stole the spotlight with a record-breaking 177-run knock, registering the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. His innings set the foundation for Afghanistan’s competitive total, while Azmatullah Omarzai’s stunning five-wicket haul ensured England’s dramatic collapse in the chase. This landmark victory showcased Afghanistan’s ability to compete against top-tier teams, making them a formidable challenge for Australia in this must-win fixture.
Australia’s road to the semi-finals: Can they avoid a shock exit?
Australia, known for its dominance in ICC tournaments, will be determined to seal their place in the semi-finals without having to rely on other results. A win against Afghanistan would see them comfortably through to the next round. However, if they falter, their fate will rest on the outcome of South Africa vs England.
With their strong batting lineup and world-class bowling attack, Australia will be keen to avoid an upset at the hands of Afghanistan, a team that has already proven its ability to trouble the biggest names in world cricket. With everything to play for, this high-pressure clash promises to be one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament, as both teams fight for a spot in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan fan girl Wazhma Ayoubi hits back at Piers Morgan over ‘bloody Taliban’ remark
Afghanistan’s predicted playing XI for the Australia game
The top-spot will feature Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) and Zadran as openers, with Zadran coming off a historic 177-run knock against England. Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will anchor the middle order, aiming for a strong performance in this must-win game. All-rounders Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib provide depth in both batting and bowling, with Omarzai shining in the last match with a five-wicket haul and a quickfire 41. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad lead the spin attack, supported by Nabi, while Fazalhaq Farooqi remains the frontline pacer. With Afghanistan on the brink of a historic semifinal spot, this lineup will be crucial in their battle against Australia.
Australia’s predicted playing XI for the Afghanistan game
The top-spot will feature Matthew Short and Travis Head as openers, with Short coming off a solid 63-run knock. Captain Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell form the middle order, with Inglis and Carey starring in a match-winning 146-run stand against England. Maxwell, who scored a historic double-century against Afghanistan previously, will aim for another impactful performance. The pace attack includes Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson, with Dwarshuis impressing with three wickets in the last game. Adam Zampa leads the spin attack, having taken two wickets against England, as Australia looks to seal a semifinal spot with a dominant win.
