ICC CHAMPION TROPHY 2025: Australia in last four, Afghans hang in wait
by morningsunrise
march 01,2025
Nazat,sandeshkhali1
North24parganas,
The Champions Trophy match was once again interrupted by heavy rain. Australia was chasing a target of 274 runs against Afghanistan. After the Aussies scored 109 runs for one wicket in 12.5 overs, the rain came. The game could not be resumed. The Pakistan Cricket Board is facing a lot of criticism for this. It is alleged that the field was covered late.
The match did not result in any result as both teams did not play 20 overs. Both Australia and Afghanistan got 1 point. The Aussies advanced to the semi-finals with four points. The fight to reach the last four as the second team is limited to South Africa and Afghanistan. If the Proteas beat England on Saturday, they will reach five points. As a result, they will top the group and advance to the semi-finals. But if England wins, both South Africa and Afghanistan will be stuck on three points.
Then the net run-rate will be seen. In this, the Afghans (-0.99) are far behind South Africa (2.14). Only if the Proteas lose by at least 207 runs or England chase within 11.1 overs will Rashid Khan and his men surpass Bavuma in net run-rate. Batting first, Afghanistan scored 273 in the allotted 50 overs. Sidiqullah Atal scored the highest 85. The 23-year-old batsman, who came in at number three, hit six boundaries and three sixes in a 95-ball innings. Azmatullah Omarzai's total is 67. This all-rounder hit five sixes and a four. Ben Doershuis (3-47) was the most successful of the Aussie bowlers. Australia crossed the hundred at a blistering pace under the leadership of Travis Head (59 not out) in the chase. After the return of Matthew Short (20), Head was accompanied by Steve Smith (19 not out).