Australia advanced to the semifinals of the Champions Trophy following the abandonment of their match against Afghanistan due to rain. At the time of interruption, Australia was 109 for 1 while chasing 274 runs. Afghanistan’s chances for advancement now depend on the results of the Saturday match between England and South Africa, affecting the net run-rate calculations for the group stage.
Australia progressed to the semifinals of the Champions Trophy following the abandonment of their crucial Group B match against Afghanistan due to inclement weather in Lahore. The rain halted play after 12.5 overs, with Australia at 109 for 1 in pursuit of a target of 274 runs. Despite ground staff’s attempts to clear the field, standing water on the pitch led the umpires to call the match off shortly before the cut-off time for completion.
With the match yielding no result, Australia secured four points, qualifying for the semifinals. Their previous match against South Africa, likewise, ended without any play. Captain Steve Smith remained at the crease, scoring 19 runs off 22 balls, while Travis Head demonstrated immense skill, contributing 59 runs off 40 balls, including nine fours and one six.
Afghanistan now faces slim chances of advancing in the tournament. Their prospects depend on the outcome of the Saturday match between England and South Africa, where South Africa’s victory would lead them to the top of the group. If England wins, both Afghanistan and South Africa would have three points, triggering a net run-rate (NRR) calculation that heavily favours South Africa.
Earlier, Afghanistan batted first, posting a competitive score of 273 runs. Sediqullah Atal anchored the innings with a resilient score of 85, while Azmatullah Omarzai accelerated the total with a quickfire 67. After struggling initially, Atal found his rhythm, forging crucial partnerships to stabilize the innings and ultimately setting a challenging target for Australia.
Omarzai’s late blitz of boundaries, including two towering sixes off Nathan Ellis in the penultimate over, propelled Afghanistan beyond 270 runs. His innings concluded with his dismissal in the final over, where Ben Dwarshuis claimed three wickets for 47 runs. Australia’s bowlers conceded 37 runs in extras, showcasing some inconsistencies in their fielding efforts.
In conclusion, Australia’s advancement to the Champions Trophy semifinals after their washed-out match against Afghanistan reflects their consistent performance throughout the group stage. While Travis Head showcased his batting prowess, Afghanistan’s hopes for progression hinge on the upcoming England vs South Africa match, determining their fate in the tournament moving forward.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
