The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is in full swing, and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the clash between Australia (AUS) and Afghanistan (AFG) in Match 10 of the tournament. Scheduled to be held at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have showcased commendable performances in the tournament so far, making this a must-watch game.
Match Details
- Date: February 28, 2025
- Time: 2:30 PM IST
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch has been a paradise for batsmen in this tournament. In the two matches played here, all four innings have witnessed scores surpassing the 300-run mark. Notably, one of the matches saw a successful chase of a 350+ target, while another had a team narrowly missing a 326-run chase by just nine runs. These statistics indicate that the surface is conducive to high-scoring games, with minimal assistance for bowlers. Teams winning the toss might prefer to bat first and set a daunting total.
Weather Forecast
The weather in Lahore on match day is expected to be overcast, with a 45% chance of rain. Temperatures are likely to hover between 14°C and 16°C, accompanied by high humidity levels ranging from 85% to 90%. The overcast conditions might offer some assistance to swing bowlers, especially during the initial overs. However, considering the batting-friendly nature of the pitch, batsmen are still expected to dominate the proceedings.
Head-to-Head Record
Australia and Afghanistan have faced each other in four One Day Internationals (ODIs) to date, with Australia emerging victorious in all encounters. This dominant record underscores Australia‘s historical supremacy over Afghanistan in the ODI format. However, cricket is an unpredictable game, and Afghanistan‘s recent performances suggest they are capable of challenging top-tier teams.
Recent Performances
Australia
Australia commenced their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a convincing win against England. Unfortunately, their subsequent match against South Africa was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to inclement weather. With one win and one no-result, Australia currently holds the second position in Group B. A victory in this match would solidify their chances of advancing to the semi-finals.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan‘s journey in the tournament has been a testament to their growth in international cricket. After a setback against South Africa in their opening match, they bounced back with a remarkable victory over England. This win has kept their semi-final hopes alive, positioning them third in Group B. A triumph over Australia would not only boost their morale but also enhance their prospects of making it to the semi-finals.
Probable Playing XIs
Australia
- Matthew Short
- Steve Smith (c)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Travis Head
- Alex Carey
- 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
Key Players to Watch
Australia
- Steve Smith (c): The experienced skipper is known for his impeccable technique and ability to anchor the innings. His leadership and batting prowess will be crucial for Australia.
- Glenn Maxwell: A dynamic all-rounder, Maxwell’s explosive batting can change the course of the game in a matter of overs. Additionally, his off-spin bowling adds depth to the bowling attack.
- Adam Zampa: As the lead spinner, Zampa’s ability to extract turn and deceive batsmen will be vital, especially in the middle overs.
Afghanistan
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk): The young wicketkeeper-batsman has been in scintillating form, providing aggressive starts at the top of the order. His performance can set the tone for Afghanistan’s innings.
- Rashid Khan: Arguably one of the best leg-spinners in modern cricket, Rashid‘s knack for picking crucial wickets makes him a linchpin in Afghanistan’s bowling lineup.
- Mohammad Nabi: The veteran all-rounder brings a wealth of experience. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides balance to the team.
Fantasy Cricket Tips
Creating a balanced Dream11 team requires a mix of in-form batsmen, reliable all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers. Here are some suggestions: