Rain washes out Pakistan-Bangladesh clash
Lahore: Afghanistan and Australia are set to face off in a high-stakes virtual quarterfinal at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore on Friday, with both teams vying for a place in the semifinals.
The stakes could not be higher. The loser of this Group B showdown will likely be eliminated, pending the result of the England-South Africa match in Karachi. However, a win for either side will all but confirm a spot in the semifinals, where they will face either India or New Zealand.
For years, Afghanistan had been considered an emerging force in world cricket, but their performances over the past few years have ensured that they are no longer seen as mere dark horses. Their stunning win over England on Wednesday night has put them within touching distance of the semifinals in their maiden Champions Trophy appearance.
Friday’s encounter against Australia will be another opportunity to showcase their credentials on the global stage. Their confidence will be bolstered by their historic triumph over the Aussies in the T20 World Cup last year, where they secured their first-ever victory over the five-time world champions.
That win, along with another crucial win over Bangladesh, knocked Australia out of the tournament and signalled that Afghanistan had arrived as a serious contender in international cricket.
For Australia, the Champions Trophy presents an opportunity to redeem themselves after a series of mixed performances in ICC events. Although they lifted the 2023 ODI World Cup, their T20 World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, and they are yet to make a mark in this edition of the Champions Trophy.
Now, with their semifinal hopes on the line, Steve Smith’s side will need their young bowlers – Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis – to step up. Adam Zampa, the experienced leg-spinner, will be key in exploiting the conditions in Lahore.
Meanwhile, the inconsequential match between hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Thursday was called off without a ball being bowled due to incessant rain.
Hosting an ICC tournament for the first time in 29 years, Pakistan thus ended their disastrous campaign without registering a single victory.
Bangladesh, too, concluded their journey without a win and will go back home with plenty to introspect. One point will be shared by both teams.
This is the second time a match has been called off without a ball being bowled in Rawalpindi, the first being the washout between South Africa and Australia earlier this week.
