Lahore, Feb 28: Sediqullah Atal's composed 85 off 95 balls and a crucial middle-order knock from Azmatullah Omarzai (67 off 63) helped Afghanistan post a competitive total of 273 all out against Australia in a must-win Champions Trophy Group B clash on Friday.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan suffered an early setback as opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell cheaply. However, Atal, along with last-match centurion Ibrahim Zadran (22), steadied the innings with a crucial 69-run partnership for the second wicket. Omarzai later played a vital role in the middle overs, ensuring his team had a defendable total on the board.
Australia’s bowlers kept things in check, with Ben Dwarshuis (3/47) striking twice in the final over to wrap up Afghanistan’s innings. Spencer Johnson (2/49) and Adam Zampa (2/48) also contributed with key wickets.
The stakes are high for both teams as they battle for a semifinal berth. Australia, after their five-wicket victory over England, had to share points with South Africa due to a washout in their previous match. Meanwhile, Afghanistan boosted their chances by knocking England out of the tournament with a thrilling eight-run victory in their last game.
Currently, South Africa leads Group B with three points from two matches, followed by Australia, who have the same points but a lower net run rate. Afghanistan remains in contention for the semifinals, sitting third with two points from two games.
England, already out of the tournament, will conclude their campaign against South Africa in Karachi on Saturday.
Brief Scores:
Afghanistan: 273 all out in 50 overs (Sediqullah Atal 85, Azmatullah Omarzai 67; Ben Dwarshuis 3/47, Spencer Johnson 2/49, Adam Zampa 2/48).
