Daijiworld Media Network- Lahore
Lahore, Feb 28: In a high-stakes encounter at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and opted to bat first against Australia in their final group stage match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
With both teams vying for a semi-final berth, the match is expected to be an intense contest. Australia, after an explosive start to their campaign with a record-breaking run chase against England, were forced to share points with South Africa due to rain. They currently sit at the top of Group B alongside the Proteas with three points each.
Afghanistan, on the other hand, suffered a heavy 107-run defeat to South Africa in their opening match but bounced back in spectacular fashion, defeating England and knocking them out of the tournament.
Shahidi, explaining his decision to bat first, stated that the used pitch is likely to slow down in the second innings, giving Afghanistan an edge in the crucial contest.
“We will bat first because the wicket looks good. It’s a used pitch—England and Australia have already played on it—so it will slow down in the second half. We were happy with our performance in the last game, and we have made plans against Australia. We are going with the same team,” Shahidi said at the toss.
Australia’s skipper Steve Smith admitted that he would have preferred to bowl first given the overhead conditions and the possibility of dew later in the game.
“We would have bowled first—uncertain overhead conditions, and there’s the dew factor as well. All the guys are doing well. It should be a good contest, looking forward to it. Coming here with good intent and aggression and ready to get started. Same team for us,” Smith remarked.
Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
With a semi-final spot on the line, both teams will be looking to bring their A-game in what promises to be a thrilling battle in Lahore.