Afghanistan put up a competitive total of 273 in 50 overs against Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025, thanks to a fluent 85 from Sediqullah Atal and a late flourish by Azmatullah Omarzai, who helped add 74 runs in the last 10 overs.

Atal Anchors the Innings After Early Blow

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat on a batting-friendly pitch in Lahore, aiming to capitalize on the conditions. However, Spencer Johnson provided an early breakthrough for Australia, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz with a well-directed yorker in the very first over.

Despite the setback, Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran played patiently, guiding Afghanistan to 54/1 in the PowerPlay. The Australian pace duo of Ben Dwarshuis and Johnson extracted movement early on, but the Afghan batters adapted well.

Middle Overs Struggle as Australia Strikes Back

Australia’s spinners Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell then took control, drying up the scoring opportunities. Zampa got Ibrahim Zadran, who tried to cut a turning delivery but edged it to the fielder. Shortly after, Maxwell dismissed Rahmat Shah, reducing Afghanistan to 94/3 in 20 overs.

Atal, showing composure, built a crucial partnership with Hashmatullah Shahidi, taking the total beyond 150. Just when Afghanistan looked set to accelerate, Spencer Johnson returned to remove Atal for 85, caught at cover by Steve Smith.

Omarzai’s Late Surge Lifts Afghanistan

Afghanistan slipped from 159/4 to 199/7 by the 40th over, with wickets falling at regular intervals. But Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan counterattacked, adding 31 runs in five overs to stabilize the innings.

Omarzai then led Afghanistan’s late charge, smashing 67 off 63 balls, including five sixes and one four, ensuring his team finished strong. His aggressive batting helped Afghanistan add 74 runs in the last 10 overs, setting a challenging target of 273 for Australia.

Bowling Efforts from Australia

Ben Dwarshuis (3/47), Adam Zampa (2/48), and Spencer Johnson (2/49) were the standout bowlers, consistently breaking partnerships.

With a solid total on the board, Afghanistan’s bowlers now have a strong chance to push for a historic win and secure a semifinal spot in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Brief Scores:

Afghanistan 273 in 50 overs (Sediqullah Atal 85, Azmatullah Omarzai 67; Ben Dwarshuis 3-47, Adam Zampa 2-48, Spencer Johnson 2-49) vs Australia.