Australia advanced to the Champions Trophy semifinals after their match against Afghanistan was rained out. The game was interrupted with Australia at 109 for 1 in pursuit of 274 runs. Afghanistan scored 273 runs, largely due to significant contributions from Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai. The result leaves Afghanistan’s future in the tournament uncertain, pending other group outcomes.
Australia has progressed to the semifinals of the Champions Trophy following a rain-affected match against Afghanistan in Lahore, which resulted in a washout. The game was interrupted at 12.5 overs with Australia at 109 for 1, in pursuit of a target of 274. Despite efforts by the ground staff, the match was ultimately abandoned since water accumulation prevented play, occurring just prior to the match cut-off time.
With the game declared a no-result, Australia secured their place in the semifinals, obtaining four points. Earlier, their match against South Africa had also been abandoned, which contributed to their advancement. Travis Head was performing well at the time of the suspension, having scored 59 runs off 40 balls, with a notable performance against Afghanistan’s bowlers after receiving a reprieve when he was dropped early in his innings.
At the game cutoff, Head was backed by skipper Steve Smith, who contributed 19 not out off 22 balls. Afghanistan’s chances of progressing further in the tournament now hinge on other results, particularly the outcome of the South Africa and England match. If South Africa wins, they will lead the group; a win for England could see net run-rate calculations influence the standings.
Earlier in the match, Afghanistan batted first and managed to post a competitive score of 273, mainly thanks to Sediqullah Atal who made 85 runs and Azmatullah Omarzai with a brisk 67. Atal steadied the innings after an unstable start, while Omarzai provided crucial firepower with five sixes in his knock, helping Afghanistan reach a challenging total despite losing wickets at crucial moments.
Omarzai’s late contributions included an impressive six hitting over 100 meters, significantly boosting Afghanistan’s score. However, he fell in the final over, finishing with three wickets taken by Ben Dwarshuis. Australia, the defending champions, also conceded 37 extras, which included 17 wides during Afghanistan’s innings. Early on, Afghanistan lost their opening batsmen quickly before Atal and Hashmatullah Shahidi built a crucial partnership.
Despite a promising start and significant contributions from Atal and Omarzai, Afghanistan struggled in the later stages, leading to a quick collapse after Atal’s dismissal. The team found themselves in trouble towards the end, but Omarzai played confidently, reaching his eighth ODI fifty and marking his growth as a key player for Afghanistan by achieving a personal record for runs in a short span of innings.
In summary, Australia’s progression to the semifinals of the Champions Trophy was confirmed by a rain-out against Afghanistan, concluding the match prematurely. Both teams had moments of strength, with Australia showcasing solid batting and Afghanistan posting a respectable total. The outcome now leaves Afghanistan’s tournament hopes dependent on results from other matches, particularly involving South Africa and England.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
