The highly anticipated match between Afghanistan and Australia was abandoned due to rain after Australia scored 109 for 1 in pursuit of Afghanistan’s total of 273. Afghanistan had early dominance with Sediqullah Atal (85) and Azmatullah Omarzai (67) leading the innings. Australia’s batting started strong, with Travis Head reaching 59 before the rain disrupted the game. Despite the downpour halting the contest, Australia secured points to advance to the semi-finals, while Afghanistan’s chances of progression dwindled, hinging on an unlikely defeat of South Africa by England. The match showcased fluctuating momentum and significant player performances.
Match called off due to rain Afghanistan 273 (Atal 85, Omarzai 67, Dwarshuis 3-47, Zampa 2-48, Johnson 2-49) vs Australia 109 for 1 (Head 59*, Omarzai 1-43)
Unfortunately, Lahore’s unpredictable weather abruptly ended a tense battle that likely had more surprises in store. Australia were in a strong position at 109 for 1 after 12.5 overs, pursuing a target of 274, when the skies opened up. The rain subsided eventually, but with parts of the ground still drenched, the match was ultimately abandoned.
The teams split the points, allowing Australia to advance to the semi-finals after their second consecutive match fell victim to rain. On the other hand, Afghanistan’s chances of advancement dwindled, reliant on an improbable and substantial defeat for South Africa against England to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Perhaps his one-legged presence was an attempt to unsettle Afghanistan, evoking memories of Glenn Maxwell’s remarkable double-century in the last ODI between these teams during the 2023 World Cup.
However, their efforts were bolstered by some sloppy fielding from Afghanistan, where Head was dropped by Rashid Khan on 6 at mid-on after an ill-timed pull shot off the quick Fazalhaq Farooqi. He compounded the mistake with a six off the very next delivery.
Head quickly regained Australia’s control, taking advantage of errant bowling from Farooqi, reaching his half-century off just 34 balls. Stand-in captain Steven Smith stepped in as Afghanistan’s spinners were deployed, but Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad failed to pose any serious threats. By the time rain interrupted play in the 13th over, Head was on 59 off 40 balls, while Smith remained unbeaten on 19.
Prior to the match, heavy rain hit Lahore, sparking concerns that it might be completely washed out, similar to Australia’s earlier clash with South Africa.
Fortunately, the weather cleared just in time, and Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi confidently opted to bat first on what was expected to be a flat pitch. However, the ball moved considerably due to being under covers for quite some time leading up to the match.
Having often drawn comparisons to Starc, Johnson certainly made his mentor proud when he unleashed a deadly inswinging yorker that clean-bowled Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the opening over.
While Johnson is not primarily known for his full-length deliveries, typically excelling in back-of-a-length bowling, he lost his rhythm after that initial wicket, and an exasperated Smith struggled to manage the resulting extras.
Following a record-breaking Champions Trophy performance with 177 against England, all eyes were on Ibrahim Zadran. He and Atal initially went into survival mode, as the ball frequently zipped past the bat, but they established a solid 67-run partnership to navigate the new-ball danger.
Unfazed by the situation, Atal took charge against the spinners, successfully targeting deep midwicket, and smashed a six to confidently reach his half-century off 64 balls.
Atal continued to thrive, effectively taking Zampa out of the attack. He had a moment of fortune at 74 when a significant lbw shout against seamer Nathan Ellis was ignored. Australia refrained from reviewing, believing the ball had pitched outside leg stump, but replays revealed otherwise.
Australia were spared any penalty when Smith effectively switched back to Johnson, who ended Atal’s pursuit of a second ODI century with a catch to cover.
In this tournament, Australia has leaned on their deep batting line-up, but part-time spinners have stepped up routinely. Against England, it was Marnus Labuschagne’s leg-spin, while Short’s economical 7-over spell here saw him only concede 21 runs.
As Afghanistan declined, they lost Nabi due to a humorous run-out, slipping to 199 for 7 and appearing set to fall well short of a competitive score. However, demonstrating exceptional power hitting, Omarzai took control, hitting five glorious sixes, three off normally reliable death bowler Ellis.
This moment proved inconsequential, foreshadowing the events yet to unfold later in the evening.
Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth