Afghanistan’s bid for 50-over redemption against Australia in an ICC event was cut short by rain after 12.5 overs into Australia’s chase. In keeping with the latest chapter of this growing rivalry, the match saw dramatic momentum shifts, with an injured Australian batter at the crease adding to the intensity of this short yet thrilling history between the teams.
However, Lahore’s unforgiving weather brought an unfortunate end to a high-stakes encounter that promised more twists. Australia were in a strong position at 109 for 1 after 12.5 overs in pursuit of 274 when heavy rain halted play. Although the downpour eventually eased, the soaked outfield rendered the match unplayable, leading to its abandonment.
With both teams sharing the points, Australia secured a semi-final spot after a second consecutive rain-affected match. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s hopes took a major blow, with their only chance of survival now resting on an improbable heavy defeat for South Africa against England.
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Short’s Gritty Cameo and Afghanistan’s Costly Misses
Chasing a challenging total under lights, Matthew Short hobbled to the crease after sustaining a quad injury in the field. Clearly struggling to run, his presence raised eyebrows, leaving many wondering why he was out there at all.
Perhaps his one-legged determination was meant to unsettle Afghanistan, evoking memories of Glenn Maxwell’s legendary double-century against them in the 2023 World Cup—their last ODI meeting. While not quite Maxwell-esque, Short’s aggressive stroke play helped Australia get off to a flying start, putting on 44 runs inside five overs alongside Travis Head.
However, Afghanistan’s sloppy fielding proved costly. Head was dropped on 6 by Rashid Khan at mid-on after mistiming a pull off Fazalhaq Farooqi, only to respond with a six off the very next ball. Short, too, had a lifeline when substitute Nangialai Kharoti failed to hold on at deep square leg. But unlike Maxwell’s miracle innings in Mumbai, Short couldn’t make the most of his chance. On the very next ball, he miscued Azmatullah Omarzai towards mid-on, where Gulbadin Naib held on to a sharp catch before flexing his muscles in celebration.
Head’s Blitz Halted as Rain Ends a Rollercoaster Clash
Travis Head swiftly restored Australia’s dominance, capitalizing on Fazalhaq Farooqi’s erratic bowling to reach his half-century in just 34 balls. Stand-in skipper Steven Smith settled in once Afghanistan’s spinners took charge, but neither Mohammad Nabi nor Noor Ahmad posed much of a threat. Rashid Khan had yet to bowl when rain interrupted play in the 13th over, with Head cruising on 59 off 40 and Smith steady at 19*.
The abrupt end capped off a topsy-turvy contest, with Afghanistan’s total of 273 from 50 overs resembling a rollercoaster ride. No. 3 batter Sediqullah Atal dominated the first half of the innings with a composed 85 off 95, while Azmatullah Omarzai’s explosive 67 off 63 provided late impetus. However, their total could have been even more formidable if not for a string of reckless dismissals that stalled momentum at key moments.
Australia’s Bowling Struggles Amid Mixed Bag Performance
Australia’s bowling display was a mixed affair, once again highlighting the challenges of life without their star pace trio—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. Their struggle was evident in the 37 extras conceded, tying for the fifth-most in Australia’s ODI history.
Leading into the match, heavy rain in Lahore had sparked concerns of a complete washout, much like Australia’s earlier clash against South Africa. However, the skies cleared just in time, and Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi had no hesitation in opting to bat first on what was expected to be a flat track. Yet, with the pitch spending ample time under covers, early movement made batting trickier than anticipated.
Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson retained his spot ahead of seam-bowling allrounder Sean Abbott, despite being overlooked for death overs duty against England. Often likened to Starc, Johnson justified the comparisons early with a brilliant inswinging yorker that breached Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s defense in the opening over.
However, Johnson—typically known for his back-of-a-length bowling—struggled with consistency after his early success. As the extras piled up, a visibly frustrated Steven Smith struggled to keep his irritation in check, underscoring Australia’s erratic showing with the ball.
Zadran Fails to Fire as Australia Strikes Back
All eyes were on Ibrahim Zadran following his record-breaking 177 against England in the Champions Trophy. Alongside Sediqullah Atal, he adopted a survival-first approach early on, enduring several close calls as the ball repeatedly whizzed past the bat. However, the duo showed resilience, stitching together a 67-run stand to negate the new-ball threat.
After all that hard work, Zadran failed to capitalize, falling for a tame 22 after slashing a short and wide delivery from Adam Zampa straight to backward point. Glenn Maxwell provided solid support with the ball, dismissing Rahmat Shah after a sharp catch from Josh Inglis behind the stumps, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 91 for 3.
Atal’s Counterattack Falls Short as Afghanistan Lose Momentum
Unfazed by the mounting pressure, Sediqullah Atal took the attack to Australia’s spinners, frequently targeting deep midwicket. He brought up his half-century in style, smashing a six off his 64th delivery.
Riding on his momentum, Atal dominated Adam Zampa, forcing the legspinner out of the attack. He had a slice of luck on 74 when a strong lbw appeal from Nathan Ellis was turned down, with Australia opting not to review, believing the ball had pitched outside leg. However, replays later confirmed it was out.
Australia, though, didn’t have to rue the missed opportunity for long. Stand-in skipper Steven Smith made another astute bowling change, bringing back Spencer Johnson, who dismissed Atal for 85 after the left-hander drove straight to cover.
With Atal’s fluent knock cut short, Afghanistan’s innings lost momentum. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi struggled to get going, crawling to 20 off 48 balls before miscuing a sweep off Zampa to square leg. His strike rate of 40.81 was the third-lowest by an Afghan batter (minimum 40 balls faced) in ODIs this decade, highlighting their mid-innings slowdown.
Omarzai’s Late-Order Fireworks Lift Afghanistan Amid Chaos
Australia’s bowling strategy in this tournament has relied on batting depth and unexpected contributions from part-time spinners. Against England, it was Marnus Labuschagne’s leg spin that proved useful, and against Afghanistan, Matthew Short stepped up, delivering seven economical overs for just 21 runs.
Afghanistan looked to be in freefall at 199 for 7, with Mohammad Nabi’s bizarre run-out adding to their woes. However, Azmatullah Omarzai rescued them with a brilliant counterattack, smartly farming the strike and launching five towering sixes—three of them off Nathan Ellis, usually a reliable death-overs specialist.
A moment of controversy nearly emerged late in the innings when Noor Ahmad wandered out of his crease, thinking the over was complete, only for Josh Inglis to whip off the bails. Though Inglis appealed, stand-in skipper Steven Smith withdrew it, preventing any potential uproar.
That brief flash of drama, however, foreshadowed the unpredictability that would later unfold under the Lahore lights.
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FAQs
How did Australia qualify for the semi-finals despite the match being abandoned?
Australia secured their semi-final spot as they earned enough points from the washed-out match against Afghanistan, following another rain-affected game against South Africa.
What was the key turning point in Afghanistan’s innings?
Sediqullah Atal’s dismissal for 85 after a dominant knock shifted momentum, leading to a mid-innings slowdown, further compounded by Hashmatullah Shahidi’s sluggish strike rate.
How did Australia’s part-time spinners contribute in the match?
Matthew Short delivered a crucial spell, conceding only 21 runs in seven overs, complementing Australia’s reliance on batting depth throughout the tournament.
What was the controversy involving Noor Ahmad and Josh Inglis?
Noor Ahmad mistakenly left his crease thinking the over had ended, and Josh Inglis removed the bails. However, Steven Smith withdrew the appeal to avoid controversy.
How did Azmatullah Omarzai boost Afghanistan’s total in the final overs?
Omarzai’s late-innings fireworks, including five sixes—three off Nathan Ellis—helped Afghanistan reach 273 despite a mid-innings collapse.
