Afghanistan sets 273-run target for Australia in crucial Champions Trophy clash

(Web Desk): Azmatullah Omarzai’s powerful batting performance helped Afghanistan post a competitive total of 273 runs in their key ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against Australia at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. His innings of 67 runs off 63 balls, including one boundary and five sixes, came after Sediqullah Atal’s 85 earlier in the innings. Despite a strong fightback from the Australian bowlers, Afghanistan managed to recover and set a challenging total.

Afghanistan batted first and finished at 273/10 in their allotted 50 overs.

The Afghan innings got off to a rough start when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed by Spencer Johnson on the fifth ball of the match. Atal then partnered with in-form Ibrahim Zadran to stabilize the innings. They added 67 runs for the second wicket before Adam Zampa struck for Australia, dismissing Zadran in the 14th over. Zadran scored 22 off 28 balls with two boundaries.

Afghanistan’s problems continued when Rahmat Shah was dismissed by Glenn Maxwell for 12 in the 19th over, leaving the score at 91/3. However, Atal and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi formed an important 68-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Atal was dismissed for 85 in the 32nd over. Atal’s knock came off 95 balls, including six fours and three sixes.

After Atal’s departure, Afghanistan lost three quick wickets, bringing the total to 199/7 in the 40th over. But Omarzai’s timely half-century helped Afghanistan recover, and they reached 273/10. Omarzai shared a valuable 36-run partnership with Rashid Khan, who contributed 19 runs off 17 balls.

For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis was the top bowler, taking three wickets. Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa picked up two wickets each, while Glenn Maxwell and Nathan Ellis took one wicket each.

This match is crucial for both teams, as a win will send the victorious side into the semi-finals.