Rain had the final say in AFG vs AUS, Champions Trophy 2025: Australia goes through to the semis

AFG vs AUS Match 10 Champions Trophy 2025 Highlights

Many Australian players had a great day on the field, which is evident in the AFG vs AUS match highlights. Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai had their moments in the game. However, the reigning World Cup champions were clearly the better team in Lahore.

AFG vs AUS Top Performers

Before rain made its presence felt, there were a few performances in the AFG vs AUS match highlights that showed the quality of the two sides. Someone like Sediqullah Atal scored big for Afghanistan but was equally challenged by the Aussie bowlers, including the likes of Spencer Johnson and Matthew Short. In the second innings, Travis Head did what he does best by quickly racing to a half-century.

Sediquallah Atal- 85 (95)

The AFG vs AUS match highlights showcased how the impressive 23-year-old, Sediqullah Atal, added yet another feather to his cap. He scored 85 runs in 95 balls in overcast conditions when the sideway movement of the ball could have accounted for multiple wickets. 

Azmatullah Omarzai- 67 (63) and 1/43

The ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year, 2024, Omarzai, once again showed why he is one of the best in the format. With the bat in hand, he scored 67 runs in only 63 deliveries to push Afghanistan’s total to 273, even though at one point it looked they might not cross 235 runs. In the second innings, the all-rounder picked the only wicket of the innings, accounting for the dismissal of Matthew Short.

Spencer Johnson- 2/49

For Australia, Spencer Johnson looked in great touch early in the match. The left-arm pacer got the ball to move around significantly. Controlling the swing proved to be a challenge as he gave six runs off wides. However, he struck in the first over, much like his predecessor, Mitchell Starc. Johnson threw a perfect yorker that shaped in towards Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was dismissed for a five-ball duck. Later in the innings, Johnson even got rid of the top scorer, Atal, to push Afghanistan further behind. 

Matthew Short- 20 (15) and 0/21

Matthew Short was an unsung hero in the first innings, going wicketless. In his seven overs, the right-arm off-spinner bowled with extreme precision and controlled the middle-overs phase. He bowled at an economy of three runs per over, conceding only 21 runs. In the second innings, while battling an injury, Short scored 20 runs in 15 balls, hitting three fours and a six. He will be missing the semi-final after damaging his quad while fielding.

Glenn Maxwell- 1/28

Glenn Maxwell, along with Short, were the enforcers in the middle overs, while Adam Zampa had a rare off-day. In his six overs, the ‘Big Show’ bowled a maiden over and ent for only 28 runs. He also accounted for the wicket of Rahmat Shah, who looked in great touch in Afghanistan’s first game against South Africa.

Travis Head- 59* (40)

As Afghanistan handed a target of 274 to Australia, it could have proven to be a tricky chase in a virtual knockout match. However, Travis Head made sure that no pressure was felt by the Aussies. In the second over of the chase, Head smacked a four that would have made the fans believe he is in great touch. He was dropped by Rashid Khan in the fourth over and did not waste time to make the Afghans realise their mistake. He smashed his first of the innings on the very next ball. He remained unbeaten and scored 59 runs in 40 balls, hitting nine fours and a six.

AFG vs AUS First Innings Summary

The stars of the AFG vs AUS match highlights from the first innings were Sediqullah Atal and Azmatallah Omarzai for the Asian nation. The two were top-scorers and played with a healthy strike rate, as well. For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis picked up the most wickets. He was helped by the fact that he picked up his three wickets at the fag end of the innings when the oppposition was playing risky shots. Adam Zampa and Spencer Johson picked up two wickets each in the six and 10 overs, respectively. 

AFG vs AUS Second Innings Summary

The AFG vs AUS match highlights from the second innings was cut short by rain. However, there were a few great performances in the 12.5 overs of play. Head played an unbeaten knock of 59 runs in only 40 deliveries. His knock consisted of hitting nine fours and a six as well. For Afghanistan, Omarzai picked up the only wicket of the innings. He dismissed Matthew Short. 

Qualification scenario for Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a net run-rate of -0.99, and their qualification chances have slimmed after the clash against Australia was abandoned. To make it into the semifinals, the Asian side would need a miraculous performance from England in today’s game. They will only reach the final four if South Africa is defeated with a margin that will see their NRR drop below Afghanistan’s. For that to happen, the Proteas would need to lose by 207 runs while chasing a target of 301 runs.