![AFG vs AUS [WATCH]: Spencer Johnson’s deadly yorker sends Rahmanullah Gurbaz packing for a duck | Champions Trophy 2025](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Champions-Trophy-2025-19.webp "AFG vs AUS [WATCH]: Spencer Johnson’s deadly yorker sends Rahmanullah Gurbaz packing for a duck | Champions Trophy 2025")
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Spencer Johnson, bowling for Australia, delivered an absolute peach of a delivery to dismiss Afghanistan‘s opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the very first over of the high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash.
Spencer Johnson’s deadly yorker dismisses Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck
On the fifth ball of the innings, Johnson produced a searing 141 km/h yorker that swung in late, sneaking through the narrowest of gaps between bat and pad before crashing into the base of the off stump. Gurbaz, known for his aggressive intent, was caught completely off guard by the sheer pace and precision of Johnson’s delivery. Having faced four dot balls prior to his dismissal, he was desperate to get off the mark but found himself undone by a delivery that was virtually unplayable.
The ball started outside off and tailed in sharply towards the base of the stumps, leaving Gurbaz with no time to adjust. His bat came down a fraction late, and before he could react, the off stump was uprooted, sending shockwaves through the Afghanistan dressing room. Johnson, making an instant impact with the new ball, let out a roar of celebration as his teammates rushed toward him, acknowledging the magnitude of the breakthrough. Losing a key opener like Gurbaz without scoring was a massive setback for Afghanistan, who were hoping for a strong start in their chase.
Here’s the video:
Goneee!#SpencerJohnson sends #RahmanullahGurbaz packing with a brilliant yorker!
📺📱 Start Watching FREE on JioHotstar: https://t.co/3pIm2C5OWa#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 #AFGvAUS | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2 & Sports 18-1 pic.twitter.com/FGSwXB2WGA
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 28, 2025
Also READ: Toss update: Steve Smith reveals why Australia would’ve bowled first against Afghanistan | Champions Trophy 2025
Australia strikes early as Afghanistan struggles to build momentum in Lahore
Afghanistan, after electing to bat first in their crucial clash against Australia, has found themselves in early trouble at 24/1 after six overs in Lahore. The highlight of the opening exchanges was a brilliant yorker from Johnson that rattled the stumps of Gurbaz for a duck in just the fifth ball of the innings.
Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal have since looked to consolidate but have found it difficult to break free against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Zadran has managed 4 runs off 6 balls, while Atal has crawled to 6 off 25 deliveries, struggling to find fluency. Extras have contributed significantly to Afghanistan’s total so far, with 14 runs coming through wides and leg-byes. Ben Dwarshuis has been exceptionally tight with the ball, conceding just 5 runs in his 3 overs, while Johnson has looked dangerous with figures of 1/12 from his three overs.
With Australia’s pacers keeping things under control and Afghanistan’s run rate hovering at 4.00, the Asian side will need a strong partnership to recover from the early setback. The next few overs will be crucial in determining whether they can post a competitive total against a formidable Australian lineup.
