Champions ODI Cup 2025

Match 10: AFG vs AUS

Preview

Australia and Afghanistan will cross swords for the 10th match of the ongoing Champions ODI Cup. Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore will host this game on Friday, February 28. 

Currently placed second and third in Group B, Australia has accrued 3 points while Afghanistan trails closely with 2 points. South Africa also leads the group with 3 points. A victory for either team will be crucial in securing their place in the semifinals. 

A loss would eliminate Afghanistan from contention, solidifying Australia and South Africa's chances of advancing. Even if Australia were to lose, it would remain in the semifinal race, and its fate would depend on the match between South Africa and England.

Match Details

Match: AFG vs AUS, 10th Match, Group B, Champions Cup ODI 2025

Date: Friday, February 28, 2025

Time: 2:30 PM

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Pitch and Weather Report

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is set to host the match on Friday, February 28, 2025. Known for its batting-friendly surface, the stadium offers minimal support for bowlers, making it difficult for fast bowlers to establish an effective pace and length. The average score in the first innings is 257 runs.

However, rain is anticipated to interrupt the game, with temperatures expected to be around 17 degrees Celsius. 

Squad News

Afghanistan

Afghanistan enters this match on the back of a thrilling 8-run victory over England. The opening lineup will feature Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, with Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) forming a solid middle order. Ibrahim Zadran was impressive in the last game, scoring 177 runs. As all-rounders, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi will be key players. Notably, Omarzai took 5 wicket haul and scored 41 runs against England. The spin attack will be led by Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Noor Ahmad, with Nabi contributing 2 wickets and 40 runs in the previous match. The fast bowling attack will feature Azmatullah Omarzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Gulbadin Naib.

Australia

Australia's last encounter ended with no result due to rain against South Africa. The opening partnership will include Travis Head and Matthew Short, while Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Josh Inglis will strengthen the middle order. Matt Short had a notable outing against England, scoring 63 runs, along with Labuschagne smashing 47 runs and taking 2 wickets. In the previous match, Josh Inglis and Alex Carey also made significant contributions, scoring 120 and 69 runs, respectively. Glenn Maxwell smashed 32 off 15 as a finisher. Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell will lead the spin department, while the pace attack will be piloted by Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, and Ben Dwarshuis.

AFG vs. AUS Squads

AFG: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib

AUS: Travis Head, Aaron Hardie, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Sean Abbott, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser McGurk, Alex Carey, Tanveer Sangha, Ben Dwarshuis, Cooper Connolly

AFG vs. AUS Probable Playing XIs

AFG: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad

AUS: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

Match Prediction

Rain could spoil the upcoming AFG vs. AUS game. While rain won't be a primary concern for Australia, as a washout secures their spot in the semifinal, Afghanistan could face significant consequences if the match doesn’t go ahead. Afghanistan would enter this match after producing an upset against England, but Australian prowess is not expected to waver; therefore, we anticipate them winning this match. 

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