The crucial Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Afghanistan vs Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ended with no result. While both teams have shared one point each, Australia have advanced to the Semi-finals, and Afghanistan are almost out of the tournament. 

It was the must-win game for both teams to reach the Semis of the tournament, while Australia just needed to avoid a defeat. Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose to bat first after winning the toss. While Afghanistan scored 273 all out in 50 overs, Australia scored 109/1 in 12.5 overs before the rain interruption that forced the game to end with no result.

Azmatullah Omarzai fought bravely after Sediqullah Atal's 85

Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (0) was dismissed in the first over as Spencer Johnson's yorker had no answer for the batter. There was a great swing for the Aussie pacers, but they failed to handle it properly at the early period of the match. However, after the first powerplay, opener Ibrahim Zadran (22) and Rahmat Shah (12) lost their wickets cheaply. 

For the fourth wicket, Sediqullah Atal and captain Shahidi had a 68-run partnership. While Shahidi scored 20 runs, Atal lost the wicket earlier after scoring 85 off 95 balls with six fours and three sixes. From 159/3, Afghans were once struggling at 199/7.

At late, Azmatullah Omarzai fought bravely to guide his team to a somehow challenging total. He scored 67 off 63 balls with the help of one four and five sixes before losing his wicket in the 50th over. 

Among the Aussie bowlers, Ben Dwarshuis (3/47) took three wickets, while Spencer Johnson (2/49) and Adam Zampa (2/48) bagged two wickets each. However, Aussie bowlers conceded 37 extras, including 17 wides. 

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Aussie batters slammed in first powerplay

In reply, Aussie openers fired up Afghan bowlers in the first powerplay. Australia scored 44 runs in 4.3 overs, when the opener Matthew Short was dismissed for 20 runs. Travis Head and captain Steven Smith had a 65-run partnership for the unbroken second wicket before rain ultimately interrupted the game. Australia scored 90/1 at the end of the first powerplay, while Head scored 59 not out off 40 balls with nine fours and one six. Skipper Smith scored 19 not out. Azmatullah Omarzai took the only wicket in the second innings. 

With this victory, Australia ended the group stage with four points and confirmed their place for the semi-finals. Despite having three points as South Africa, Afghanistan are unlikely to qualify for the knockout stages due to a massive difference in the net run rate. Even if South Africa lose against England on Saturday (March 1), the Proteas will qualify, except for suffering almost a 200+ runs defeat against England, which could open the chance for Afghanistan to magically reach to the Semi-finals. 

When: South Africa vs England, February 27, 2025, 2:30 PM IST/2:00 PM local

Where: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

What to expect: Lahore has hosted 10 ODIs since 2022, with chasing teams winning five of them. The average first-innings score in this period stands at 300. In this tournament, Australia made light work of England's 351 in a commanding chase, while Afghanistan successfully defended 325 in a tense finish. There is a forecast for light rain, but conditions are expected to improve in the second half, when the match is scheduled. Teams Afghanistan They are expected to field an unchanged side following their memorable win over England.

Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi Australia The players will be well-rested after a week-long break. Australia are likely to retain their four frontline bowling combination, with Labuschagne, Matthew Short and Glenn Maxwell sharing the remaining overs.

Probable XI: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson Did you know - Afghanistan have never beaten Australia in an ODI - Captains have opted to bat first in 3 out of the last 5 ODIs at the Gaddafi Stadium What they said "You think we will come only to play with Maxwell? Do you think it will be like that? We have planning for all Australian team." -Hashmatullah Shahidi

Squads: Australia Squad: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Tanveer Sangha

 Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Ikram Alikhil, Nangeyalia Kharote, Naveed Zadran

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 goes on with a thrilling Group B match between Australia vs  Afghanistan. This is a crucial match as the winner will make it to the semifinals. The match will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, on February 28, 2025.

Match Details:

• Match: Australia vs  Afghanistan
• Date: February 28, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time)
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
• Toss Time: 2:00 PM IST

LIVE STREAMING DETAILS OF THE AFG VS AUS

ALSO READ:AFG vs AUS Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | Match 10, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview & Analysis

AFG vs AUS Predicted Playing XI

AFG Playing XI

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Fareed Ahmed, Fazalhaq Farooqi

AUS Playing XI

Matt Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Jos Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshius, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa. Spencer Johnson 

AFG vs AUS Match Preview

An upset and some bad weather have made this game between Afghanistan and Australia much more important, with the winner guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy! Afghanistan demonstrated their consistency in this format by defeating England by eight runs in the second ODI on Wednesday. It was a huge victory for Afghanistan, who had begun the tournament with a poor performance versus South Africa on Friday. Australia secured a famous victory over England last weekend, but they were denied the opportunity to make it two wins in a row when rain in Rawalpindi caused the game to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.

AFG vs AUS Match Details 

Afghanistan vs Australia – 10th Match, Champions Trophy 2025

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Date & Time: 28th February 2025 at 02:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

AFG vs AUS Venue Stats

AFG vs AUS Pitch Report

The Gaddafi Stadium at Lahore should offer a batting-friendly surface due to its consistent pace and bounce. Fast bowlers may benefit from the new ball early in the game before the spinners enter the picture. 

AFG vs AUS Weather Report

The weather will likely be partly cloudy during the day. Temperatures will approach 30 degrees Celsius, with a fair amount of humidity. There is a 5% chance of rainfall on match days.

AFG vs AUS Last Five Matches

AFG vs AUS Head-to-Head Stats

Afghanistan vs Australia Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: WPL 2025: DCW vs GGW Dream11 Prediction

AFG vs AUS Probable Playing XIs:

Australia Probable Playing XIs

Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

Afghanistan Probable Playing XIs

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Topmost Picks for AFG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Afghanistan

• Ibrahim Zadran – Ibrahim Zadran scored the highest individual score in the ICC Champions Trophy with 177 runs from 146 balls.
• Azmatullah Omarzai – Azmatullah Omarzai dominated with the ball, taking 5/58, including his last dismissal to secure the win.

Top Picks – Australia

• Matthew Short – Australia's opening batter Matthew Short, scored a half-century in the team's first match of the tournament.
• Adam Zampa – Australian leg spinner Adam Zampa started the tournament well, scoring 2/64 in his quota of 10 overs. In a high-scoring match, the 32-year-old took two important wickets and prevented England from setting an unassailable target.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for Afghanistan vs Australia Dream11 Team:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Jos Buttler, Rahmat Shah, Ben Duckett, Joe Root(C), Liam Livingstone, Azmatullah Omarzai(VC), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for Afghanistan vs Australia Dream11 Team:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(VC), Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Rahmat Shah, Ben Duckett(C), Joe Root, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Ben Duckett, Joe Root

Vice-captain – Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai

Wicketkeeper – Rahmanullah Gurbaz

AFG vs AUS Probable Winners:

Afghanistan hadn't beaten England before November 2023, but they now have two victories over them and will look to make it two in a row over Australia. We predict a close contest, but we believe Australia has enough batting firepower to win. Considering the team combination, Australia is expected to win this match.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is one of the most thrilling cricket tournaments of the year. Cricket enthusiasts from all over the world are waiting to see their favorite teams battle it out for the trophy. If you are searching for live streaming information, this article will help you.

Match Details:

• Teams: Afghanistan vs. England
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• Date: Today
• Time: 2:30 PM IST

LIVE STREAMING DETAILS OF THE AFG VS ENG

ALSO READ:AFG vs ENG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | Match 08, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview & Analysis

AFG PLAYING XI

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Fareed Ahmed, Fazalhaq Farooqi

ENG PLAYING XI:

Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood 

A do-or-die for Afghanistan who are on cloud nine after bettering England once again in an ICC Event. They know what Australia can do though. The two had an incredible encounter in 2023 with Maxwell pulling off a special innings. He almost did the same in the 2024 T20 World Cup as well but Afghanistan were the ones who got the better there to make the Semi-Finals. They will need to do something similar again if they are to make the Semi-Finals in their first ever Champions Trophy. They have the support and the energy but Australia are unique in their authority and ability.

AFG vs AUS Match Details

Date: February 28th, 2025

Time:  2:30 PM IST

Venue: Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore

Afghanistan vs Australia Weather Report

Clear weather and a nice evening is expected for the game.

Afghanistan vs Australia Pitch Report

Average Score Batting First in the last five games: 294

Average Score Batting Second in the last five games: 280

Wins Batting First in the last five games: 3

Wins Batting Second in the last five games: 2

Lahore did show some dew when Australia chased a huge total decently well against England. Batting second could therefore work better.

See Also: 

Afghanistan vs Australia Head to Head

AFG vs AUS Predicted Playing XI

AFG Playing XI

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Fareed Ahmed, Fazalhaq Farooqi

AUS Playing XI

Matt Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Jos Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshius, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa. Spencer Johnson 

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Afghanistan vs Australia Key Players

Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell loves the Afghanistan attack. He was exceptional in the last two ICC events against Afghanistan, and will remember well what he did last time. Can he do it again?

Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan has been a touch inactive and the mystery seems to be lying low. His bowling was picked pretty easily by South Africa. He has a good record against England though and will have to make use of a Lahore Track which has helped spin. 

AFG vs AUS Match Tips

Australia remain favorites but will be wary of what Afghanistan can do.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

Rashid Khan, the star spinner from Afghanistan and a pivotal player for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), faces an uncertain future. His concerns stem from repeated postponements and cancellations by Cricket Australia of their scheduled matches with Afghanistan, citing deteriorating conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan as the cause.

Rashid Khan’s Background

Rashid Khan has emerged as one of the most exciting and effective spin bowlers in the world of cricket. From his debut in 2015, Rashid’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric, highlighting his significant impact in T20 leagues around the globe, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the BBL.

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Afghanistan Cricket on the Rise

Despite the political and social challenges in Afghanistan, its cricket team has shown remarkable progress and resilience. Their performances in recent international fixtures, especially in limited-overs formats, have earned them respect and admiration on the global stage.

The Australia-Afghanistan Controversy

In March 2023, Australia withdrew from a planned one-off Test and a one-day international series against Afghanistan in the UAE. The official stance pointed to worsening conditions for women under Afghanistan’s current regime as the reason.

This decision by Cricket Australia has visibly upset Rashid, who values the competition and learning that comes from playing against top-tier cricket nations. He expressed his disappointment, stating it diminishes his and his countrymen’s contributions and opportunities.

Significance of Bilateral Series

Bilateral series are crucial for the growth and competitiveness of emerging cricket nations like Afghanistan. These matches provide invaluable experience and exposure that cannot be replicated in other formats or competitions.

Potential Consequences for BBL

Rashid’s potential departure from the BBL would be a significant blow to the league, given his popularity and skill level. This scenario underscores the broader implications of geopolitical issues on international sports leagues.

“It does hurt you. You do want to play against the best teams and that’s where your cricket is going to improve more and more. You only get the opportunity playing against them [Australia] in the World Cups, but not in bilateral series. You don’t want to play with my colleagues and you want to play with me. So what’s the difference? It means I’m putting my colleagues down as well. My country down as well,” he said.

In a recent announcement, Cricket Australia (CA) disclosed the postponement of the three-match T20 International series against Afghanistan, initially scheduled for August. This decision underscores the gravity of human rights issues prevailing in Afghanistan and reflects CA’s commitment to advocating for improved conditions, particularly for women and girls.

The decision to postpone the series comes after prior instances of deferred matches between the two cricketing nations. Earlier, CA postponed the ODI series against Afghanistan set for March 2023 due to alarming deteriorations in human rights conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan. The decision was made in consultation with the Australian Government, emphasizing a concerted effort to await improved circumstances for Afghan citizens, especially women and girls.

See Also: [Watch] Pat Cummins shares his excitement after joining SRH team

Reasons for Postponement

The ongoing consultations between CA and the Australian Government have revealed a consistent worsening of conditions for women and girls in Afghanistan over the past year. As a result, CA has reaffirmed its stance on prioritizing human rights concerns and has decided to postpone the bilateral series against Afghanistan.

“Following consultation with the Australian Government, CA previously postponed the ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled for March 2023 after a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls in Afghanistan, stating we would: ‘Continue to engage with the Afghanistan Cricket Board in anticipation of improved conditions for women and girls in the country,’ CA issued the statement.

The postponement echoes a similar scenario from January 2023, when Australia deferred an ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled for March of the same year due to analogous human rights issues. At that time, the decision was prompted by the Taliban’s imposition of further restrictions on women and girls’ education and employment in Afghanistan. Such actions directly contradicted the principles of inclusivity and equality upheld by CA and the broader cricketing community.

Impact on Afghanistan Players

The repeated postponements have evoked mixed reactions from Afghanistan players. Senior star Rashid Khan expressed disappointment over Australia’s decision, highlighting the setback it posed in the journey of Afghanistan cricket. His sentiments were echoed by former captain Mohammad Nabi, who emphasized the need for equal opportunities and platforms for Afghan players to showcase their talent on the global stage.

Response from Afghanistan Players

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Rashid Khan conveyed his disillusionment with Australia’s stance, indicating a potential reevaluation of his participation in the Big Bash League (BBL) due to the discomfort surrounding Australia-Afghanistan cricket engagements. Similarly, Mohammad Nabi condemned CA’s decision, emphasizing the strides made by Afghan cricket and the potential it holds if provided with the right opportunities.

Australia-Afghanistan Cricket History

The history between Australia and Afghanistan in cricket is marked by notable encounters, including their clash in the 2023 ODI World Cup league stage. Despite facing a formidable challenge from Afghanistan, Australia managed a remarkable comeback, showcasing the competitive spirit and resilience inherent in cricket.