Australia and Afghanistan are set to face off in a do-or-die encounter in Match 10 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, February 28. This extremely anticipated contest will decide which staff advances to the semi-finals, including immense stress on either side.
At current, Australia sits in second place in Group B with 3 factors, whereas Afghanistan follows in third place with 2 factors. Group leaders South Africa even have 3 factors, making the qualification race extremely tight. A victory for both Australia or Afghanistan will safe their place within the knockout stage. Nevertheless, if Afghanistan loses, they are going to be eradicated, confirming semi-final spots for each Australia and South Africa. For Australia, even a defeat might not finish their marketing campaign, as they may nonetheless qualify if England manages to beat South Africa of their last group match.
Afghanistan’s confidence soars after historic win over England
Afghanistan heads into this recreation on the again of a momentous 8-run victory over England, a consequence that eradicated the defending champions and stored Afghanistan’s semi-final hopes alive. This win, Afghanistan’s first-ever in Champions Trophy historical past, highlighted their rising stature on the worldwide stage.
Ibrahim Zadran stole the highlight with a record-breaking 177-run knock, registering the very best particular person rating in Champions Trophy historical past. His innings set the muse for Afghanistan’s aggressive complete, whereas Azmatullah Omarzai’s beautiful five-wicket haul ensured England’s dramatic collapse within the chase. This landmark victory showcased Afghanistan’s capacity to compete towards top-tier groups, making them a formidable problem for Australia on this must-win fixture.
Australia’s street to the semi-finals: Can they keep away from a shock exit?
Australia, recognized for its dominance in ICC tournaments, can be decided to seal their place within the semi-finals with out having to depend on different outcomes. A win towards Afghanistan would see them comfortably by way of to the subsequent spherical. Nevertheless, in the event that they falter, their destiny will relaxation on the result of South Africa vs England.
With their robust batting lineup and world-class bowling assault, Australia can be eager to keep away from an upset by the hands of Afghanistan, a staff that has already confirmed its capacity to hassle the most important names in world cricket. With every thing to play for, this high-pressure conflict guarantees to be probably the most thrilling encounters of the match, as each groups combat for a spot within the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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Afghanistan’s predicted taking part in XI for the Australia recreation
The highest-spot will function Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) and Zadran as openers, with Zadran coming off a historic 177-run knock towards England. Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will anchor the center order, aiming for a powerful efficiency on this must-win recreation. All-rounders Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib present depth in each batting and bowling, with Omarzai shining within the final match with a five-wicket haul and a quickfire 41. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad lead the spin assault, supported by Nabi, whereas Fazalhaq Farooqi stays the frontline pacer. With Afghanistan getting ready to a historic semifinal spot, this lineup can be essential of their battle towards Australia.
Australia’s predicted taking part in XI for the Afghanistan recreation
The highest-spot will function Matthew Quick and Travis Head as openers, with Quick coming off a stable 63-run knock. Captain Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell kind the center order, with Inglis and Carey starring in a match-winning 146-run stand towards England. Maxwell, who scored a historic double-century towards Afghanistan beforehand, will purpose for one more impactful efficiency. The tempo assault contains Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson, with Dwarshuis impressing with three wickets within the final recreation. Adam Zampa leads the spin assault, having taken two wickets towards England, as Australia appears to seal a semifinal spot with a dominant win.
