Cricholic
Months after their heartbreak in Mumbai—where Glenn Maxwell’s record-breaking double century denied them a famous victory—Afghanistan finally tasted success against Australia in Kingstown. Now, the two sides prepare to clash again in Lahore, with a Champions Trophy semifinal spot on the line.
Match Scenario: Who Qualifies?
- Australia: A win or a rain-out secures their place in the semis.
- Afghanistan: A victory guarantees a spot in the final four. If rain intervenes, they will need England to defeat South Africa comprehensively to advance.
Afghanistan’s Rise: A Force to Reckon With
Afghanistan arrives in Lahore with momentum, fueled by their thrilling victory over England. Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking 177 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round heroics showcased their ability to go beyond being an underdog story. Playing in familiar conditions, with unwavering self-belief instilled by coach Jonathan Trott, they have a golden opportunity to challenge the mighty Australians.
Australia’s Challenge: Shaking Off Rust
Despite missing key players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, Australia has looked formidable. Their chase of 352 against England was a testament to their batting depth. However, their last game was washed out, potentially disrupting their tournament rhythm, while Afghanistan has been battle-hardened.
Key Match Details
- When: February 27, 2025 | 2:30 PM IST | 2:00 PM Local
- Where: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Weather: Light rain is expected, but conditions should improve as the match progresses.
Pitch and Conditions
Lahore has hosted 10 ODIs since 2022, with chasing teams winning five of them. The average first-innings score stands at 300. Australia previously made light work of a 351-run chase against England here, while Afghanistan successfully defended 325 in a nail-biting finish.
Probable Playing XIs
Afghanistan
Expected to field an unchanged lineup after their win over England.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Australia
Players will be well-rested after a week-long break. The same bowling combination is likely to be retained.
- Matthew Short
- Travis Head
- Steven Smith (c)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Alex Carey
- Glenn Maxwell
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Nathan Ellis
- Adam Zampa
- Spencer Johnson
Did You Know?
- Afghanistan has never defeated Australia in an ODI.
- In three of the last five ODIs at Gaddafi Stadium, captains have chosen to bat first.
What They Said
Hashmatullah Shahidi: “Do you think we have plans only for Maxwell? We have strategies for the entire Australian team.”
