Australia and Afghanistan face off in a crucial ICC event with both teams vying for a semi-final spot. The match carries political undertones, as Australia has suspended ties with the Taliban but continues to compete in ICC events. A loss for Afghanistan means elimination, while Australia must win to avoid depending on a South Africa-England outcome. Previous encounters were tightly contested, with Glenn Maxwell’s standout performances looming large. Afghanistan boasts a strong spin attack but has also shown depth in seam bowling. Rain could affect the match, which remains pivotal for both teams’ World Cup aspirations.
The Overview: A virtual sudden death for a semi-final berth
Similar to the encounter between Afghanistan and England, the political implications surrounding this match are significant. Matches between these nations are infrequent, with Australia—much like England—taking a stand on human rights and announcing the suspension of bilateral relations while the Taliban holds power.
Nonetheless, the intricate nature of the situation is evident as Australia participates against Afghanistan in ICC events—drawing some criticism. This fascinating, emerging rivalry is set to continue in Lahore, with crucial stakes on the line.
Once again, a place in the semifinals is on the line. The form of both teams is hard to gauge, having recorded narrow wins against a struggling England. Afghanistan displayed resilience following a poor start against South Africa, while Australia’s momentum was halted when their match against the Proteas was washed out.
A victory under pressure is at stake, but Australia must first defeat the rising Afghanistan in what appears to be an evenly matched game. Afghanistan will rely heavily on their spin-dominated bowling attack, but Australia boasts several players skilled against spinning deliveries—led by Inglis.
The potential for more rain in Lahore may also impact this exciting clash, which promises to be as gripping as their recent encounters.
Recent Form
Australia WLLLL (most recent five completed matches)
Afghanistan WLWWW
There isn’t a vast cricketing history between the nations, but Glenn Maxwell often tops the list when discussing this matchup. During their last ODI encounter, a debilitated Maxwell delivered one of the greatest innings ever witnessed, rescuing Australia at the 2023 World Cup and breaking Afghan hearts. Maxwell comes into this match in excellent form, having finished strongly against England following an impressive BBL season. It will be intriguing to see whether his presence at the crease intimidates Afghanistan, who maintain they have not overly focused their game plan around him.
While Afghanistan’s array of skilled spinners garners significant recognition, seam-bowling allrounder Azmatullah Omarzai shone against England with his first career five-wicket haul. He was especially outstanding in the death overs, taking three key wickets when the match was finely balanced. Omarzai’s emergence allows Afghanistan a better-balanced attack rather than purely relying on spinners. He will need to replicate that performance against a formidable Australian batting lineup, and his clever, skiddy bowling will be critical against the aggressive openers Travis Head and Matthew Short. If he can secure early breakthroughs, Afghanistan will be firmly in contention.
Team Updates: Sean Abbott in for Spencer Johnson?
Due to the adverse weather conditions, team announcements for the Australia-South Africa game were not made. Therefore, predicting Australia’s lineup proves challenging. While the team composition is fairly stable, they might consider adjusting their bowling attack after conceding 351 runs to England. Left-arm quick Spencer Johnson could be in danger of selection after being left out for the death overs against England, though his pace and bounce could serve as an asset against Afghanistan’s top order. Australia, who trained indoors before the match, may also contemplate including bowling allrounder Sean Abbott, offering a different dimension and reinforcing their batting; as well as legspinner Tanveer Sangha, given Marnus Labuschagne’s part-time legspin played a significant role against England.
Australia (potential lineup): 1 Matthew Short, 2 Travis Head, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Josh Inglis (wk), 6 Alex Carey, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Sean Abbott/Spencer Johnson, 9 Ben Dwarshuis, 10 Nathan Ellis, 11 Adam Zampa
Following such a significant victory, Afghanistan is expected to keep their lineup unchanged for the third consecutive game and lean on their spin strength in subcontinental conditions. The trio of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad will pose substantial challenges for the Australians.
Afghanistan (possible lineup): 1 Ibrahim Zadran, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3 Sediqullah Atal, 4 Rahmat Shah, 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Gulbadin Naib, 9 Rashid Khan, 10 Noor Ahmad, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi
Pitch and Conditions
Both teams are now accustomed to the conditions in Lahore, known for being particularly favorable for batters. While pace bowlers have struggled significantly, spinners have made their mark despite the minimal turn available from the surface. Following the washout of the Australia-South Africa encounter, rain threatens again to disrupt this matchup, though forecasts suggest improvements later in the afternoon. Nevertheless, the heavy rainfall leading up to the match may pose drainage concerns.
Statistics and Trivia
Quotes
“If the entire match is rained out, I think that means we progress to the semi-finals, but of course, we aim to win tomorrow and secure the top spot in the pool.”
Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne discusses the potential rain impact.
“We have been preparing for the whole Australian team. Although I recognize he performed exceptionally well in the 2023 World Cup, that’s part of history. We defeated them in the T20 World Cup… our plans are not solely focused on one individual player.”
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi on not solely focusing on Maxwell.
Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth.