Afghanistan (AFG) and Australia (AUS) are set to face off in the 10th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group B. The crucial encounter will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, February 28, starting at 2:30 PM (IST).
With a semifinal berth on the line, this high-stakes clash serves as a virtual knockout, making it a must-win contest for both sides to stay in the tournament.
Table of Contents
Afghanistan vs Australia: Preview
Rashid Khan’s pointed question—”If we play in the World Cup, why don’t we play in bilateral series?“—echoed sentiments often heard in India-Pakistan cricket discussions. However, unlike that storied rivalry shaped by political tensions and history, no such baggage exists between Australia and Afghanistan. They are separated by over 10,000 kilometers, not by contested borders. Yet, Cricket Australia has consistently refused bilateral series against Afghanistan, citing concerns over the humanitarian crisis, particularly the treatment of women and girls under Taliban rule.
Similar to Afghanistan’s clash with England, the political backdrop of this match is impossible to ignore. Encounters between these nations are infrequent, with Australia—like England—adopting a human rights stance and vowing to halt bilateral ties as long as the Taliban remain in power.
Afghanistan had Australia on the ropes before Glenn Maxwell’s once-in-a-lifetime double century in Mumbai turned the tide at the 2023 World Cup. Months later, in Kingstown at the T20 World Cup, Afghanistan finally had their moment, securing an upset that cemented their growing status in world cricket. Now, the stakes are even higher as they face off again in Lahore, this time with a Champions Trophy semifinal spot on the line.
The equation is straightforward: Australia advance with a win or if rain forces a washout. Afghanistan must win to progress, though in the event of a washout, they would need England to defeat South Africa by a massive margin to stay in contention.
Cricket Australia reaffirmed its commitment to this stance last month by hosting a T20 match in Melbourne featuring an Afghanistan women’s XI, bringing the issue back into focus.
However, the situation remains complex, as Australia continues to face Afghanistan in ICC events—drawing some criticism. This compelling and evolving rivalry now shifts to Lahore, where high stakes add to the intrigue.
With the tournament’s unforgiving format, this match is essentially a do-or-die battle—a virtual quarter-final—after Afghanistan once again ended England’s ICC campaign.
Afghanistan faces elimination with a loss, while Australia is also in a must-win situation. A defeat would leave them relying on South Africa suffering a heavy thrashing at the hands of an already-eliminated England with nothing at stake. However, a washout would secure Australia’s place in the semi-finals.
Once again, Australia and Afghanistan meet in a high-pressure ICC showdown. Their last encounter at the 2022 T20 World Cup saw Australia scrape through with a narrow six-run win in Adelaide—yet it wasn’t enough of a net run rate boost, leading to their early exit on home soil.
Glenn Maxwell, of course, reshaped the 2023 World Cup with his astonishing double century—an innings that still defies belief. However, Afghanistan earned a measure of revenge at last year’s T20 World Cup, weathering a brief Maxwell blitz to claim a memorable 21-run victory and secure a historic semi-final spot.
Now, once again, a place in the semi-finals is on the line. Form is tricky to gauge, with both teams edging past a struggling England. Afghanistan rebounded impressively after a disastrous start against South Africa, while Australia’s momentum stalled when their clash with the Proteas was washed out.
Despite being significantly weakened—fielding their least experienced bowling attack at an ICC ODI event since 1983 against England—Australia still showcased their big-game mentality under pressure. Their batting remains formidable, with centurion Josh Inglis emerging as a genuine star across formats, fueling speculation that he could be Australia’s next captain.
A backs-against-the-wall victory is possible, but first, Australia must overcome a rising Afghanistan side in what feels like an evenly matched contest. Afghanistan will rely on their spin-heavy attack, though Australia boasts several skilled players against spin, led by Inglis.
With Australia’s depleted pace attack, the bowling battle is more evenly matched than in previous encounters. Meanwhile, an in-form Ibrahim Zadran—fresh off a Champions Trophy-best 177—has proven he can compete with the best.
For Afghanistan, confidence is soaring after their dramatic victory over England at this very venue. Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking 177 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round brilliance have kept their semifinal hopes alive, reinforcing that they are no longer just underdog contenders. The energy from that performance, combined with their familiarity with Lahore’s conditions and the “infectious self-belief” their coach Jonathan Trott spoke of, makes this a defining moment. If there was ever a time to take on Australia, it’s now.
Australia, on the other hand, has looked every bit the dominant force despite missing key players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis. Their stunning chase of 352 against England showcased their batting depth and ability to thrive under ICC pressure. However, that was a week ago. Their last match was washed out, potentially disrupting their rhythm, while Afghanistan remains battle-hardened with recent match time under their belt.
Adding to the intrigue, the prospect of more bad weather in Lahore could also play a role in what promises to be another gripping chapter in this growing rivalry.
Will fresh legs make the difference in Lahore, or will Afghanistan’s momentum carry them through?
Afghanistan vs Australia: Head-to-head
- Matches Played: 4
- Won by Afghanistan: 0
- Won by Australia: 4
- Tied: 0
- No Result: 0
- First-ever Fixture: 25 August 2012
- Most-recent Fixture: 7 November 2023
Afghanistan vs Australia: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Both teams have now had ample exposure to Lahore’s conditions, which have largely favored batters. While pacers have struggled to make an impact, spinners have found success despite the surface offering minimal turn. The abandoned match between Australia and South Africa highlighted the persistent threat of rain, and while the forecast looks more promising later in the day, the heavy downpours leading up to the game could affect drainage and outfield conditions.
Since 2022, Lahore has hosted 10 ODIs, with chasing teams emerging victorious in half of them. The average first-innings total during this period has been 300, reflecting the venue’s high-scoring nature. In this tournament, Australia comfortably chased down England’s 351, while Afghanistan defended 325 in a thrilling finish. Light rain is expected, but conditions are projected to improve as the match progresses.
Afghanistan vs Australia: Recent Form
Australia WLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Afghanistan WLWWW
Afghanistan vs Australia: Team News and Predicted XI
Afghanistan: Team News
Afghanistan are likely to stick with the same XI that secured a thrilling win over England, maintaining continuity for a third consecutive match. Their spin-heavy attack, featuring Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad, remains their biggest weapon in familiar subcontinental conditions, posing a serious test for the Australian batters.
Afghanistan – Predicted XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi(capt)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rashid Khan
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Australia – Team News
With Australia enjoying a week-long break, they should be well-rested heading into this crucial contest. They are expected to retain their core bowling attack, with Labuschagne, Matthew Short, and Glenn Maxwell chipping in with additional overs.
The washed-out game against South Africa meant no team lists were announced, making Australia’s final XI harder to predict. While the lineup remains largely settled, changes in the bowling unit are possible after conceding 351 runs against England. Left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson, who wasn’t trusted at the death in that game, could be under scrutiny, though his extra pace and bounce might be valuable against Afghanistan’s batting. Australia could also consider bringing in bowling all-rounder Sean Abbott for added depth or legspinner Tanveer Sangha, given Labuschagne’s part-time spin proved handy in their last outing.
Australia – Predicted XI
- Matthew Short
- Travis Head
- Steven Smith (capt)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Alex Carey
- Glenn Maxwell
- Sean Abbott/Spencer Johnson
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Nathan Ellis
- Adam Zampa
Afghanistan vs Australia: Players To Watch Out For
Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan’s renowned spin attack often dominates the spotlight, but it was seam-bowling allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai who stole the show against England, claiming his first-ever five-wicket haul in professional cricket. His exceptional death bowling, which yielded three crucial wickets in a tense finish, was instrumental in sealing victory.
Omarzai’s rise has provided Afghanistan with much-needed balance, ensuring they are no longer solely dependent on spin. Against Australia’s explosive batting lineup, his sharp, skiddy deliveries will be key, especially against power-hitters Travis Head and Matthew Short. Early wickets from him could tilt the contest in Afghanistan’s favor.
Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
Australia and Afghanistan haven’t shared a long cricketing rivalry, but one name stands out in their recent encounters—Glenn Maxwell. His unforgettable, match-winning double century at the 2023 World Cup, despite battling injury, remains one of the most remarkable innings in ODI history, snatching victory from Afghanistan’s grasp.
Heading into this clash, Maxwell is in top form, having played a key role in Australia’s win over England following an outstanding BBL campaign. While Afghanistan insists they haven’t tailored their strategy around him, it remains to be seen whether his mere presence at the crease unsettles them.
Afghanistan vs Australia: Prediction
When and Where To Watch Afghanistan vs Australia LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Group B encounter between Afghanistan and Australia is scheduled for Friday, February 28, at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore in Pakistan. The match will commence at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss set for 2:00 PM. Fans can watch the live broadcast on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
FAQs
What time and where is the Afghanistan vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match?
The match will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, February 28, at 2:30 PM (IST).
What are the qualification scenarios for Afghanistan and Australia?
Australia will qualify for the semifinals with a win or if rain washes out the game. Afghanistan must win to advance, while a washout would leave them relying on England to beat South Africa by a big margin.
How have Afghanistan and Australia performed in the tournament so far?
Afghanistan is coming off a thrilling win over England, while Australia had their last match washed out but previously chased down 352 against England in dominant fashion.
Who are the key players to watch in the Afghanistan vs Australia match?
Glenn Maxwell, who played a historic innings against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, is in top form, while Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai is emerging as a key all-rounder with a match-winning five-wicket haul against England.
How will Lahore’s pitch and weather impact the game?
The pitch has been batting-friendly, with spinners making an impact despite minimal turn. Rain is forecast but expected to clear in the second half, with drainage potentially playing a role in match conditions.
