NEW DELHI: Australia secured their place in the semifinals of the Champions Trophy after their crucial Group B clash against Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain. The match was halted when Australia were 109 for 1 in 12.5 overs, chasing a target of 274 set by Afghanistan.
Despite the ground staff’s efforts, the umpires declared the match abandoned after an inspection due to persistent pools of water on the pitch. The interruption occurred just an hour before the cut-off time for completing the match.
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With the game called off, Australia advanced to the semifinals with four points, while their previous match against South Africa in Rawalpindi was also abandoned.
At the time of the interruption, Travis Head was in excellent form, having scored 59 runs off 40 balls, including nine fours and one six. He was dropped on six by Rashid Khan, but capitalised on the opportunity, dominating the Afghan bowlers.
Earlier, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 273, thanks to Sediqullah Atal‘s gritty 85 and Azmatullah Omarzai‘s explosive 67. Atal anchored the innings, while Omarzai’s late fireworks propelled Afghanistan past 270 after they were 235 for 8 following Rashid Khan’s dismissal.
As it happened: Australia qualify for semis; Afghanistan mathematically alive
Afghanistan’s chances of progressing are slim and depend on the result of Saturday’s match between South Africa and England. If South Africa wins, they will top the group with five points.
If England emerges victorious, South Africa and Afghanistan will both finish on three points, leading to a net run-rate (NRR) calculation, which is likely to eliminate Afghanistan unless South Africa loses by a substantial margin.