Rain Abandons Afghanistan vs Australia Match in Champions Trophy

The Champions Trophy match between Afghanistan and Australia was abandoned due to rain, leaving Afghanistan facing a tough equation to qualify for the semifinals. On the other hand, Australia secured their spot in the semifinals with four points from three matches.

Afghanistan batted first in Lahore on Friday, setting a target of 274 runs for Australia. The team's top scorer was Sediqullah Atal, who made 85 runs. Azmatullah Omarzai contributed with 67 runs.

Afghanistan's other batters struggled against the Aussie bowling attack. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for a duck, and Ibrahim Zadran, who scored a century in the previous match, was out for 22. Afghanistan were bowled out in their allotted 50 overs.

Australia’s pace bowler Ben Dwarshuis was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for 47 runs. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson and leg-spinner Adam Zampa took 2 wickets each.

In reply, Australia were cruising at 109/1 in 12.5 overs when rain interrupted play. The match was called off, with Australia's unbeaten batsmen Steven Smith (19) and Travis Head (59) unable to return to the field. The only wicket for Afghanistan in the chase was claimed by Azmatullah Omarzai.