Australia, Afghanistan, collide in must-win Champions Trophy clash

Australia’s bowlers are getting on top of their crucial Champions Trophy clash with Afghanistan after Sediqullah Atal’s earlier heroics.

Afghanistan has shown plenty of fight with a powerful, 67-run partnership proving they can more than match Australia.

Spencer Johnson struck early, bowling opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz with just the fifth ball of the innings.

Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal (31 not out) put on 67 runs for the second wicket before Adam Zampa finally had Zadran caught by Marnus Labuschagne for 22.

Atal went on to smash three sixes and six boundaries in his 85.

Spencer Johnson celebrates after taking the wicket of Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Picture: AFP

The equation is simple - win or go home - for Australia and Afghanistan in their Champions Trophy clash at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Australia has the wood on Afghanistan, having won all four ODIs played between the nations, the last being the unforgettable 2023 World Cup clash in which a cramping Glenn Maxwell smashed an unbeaten 201 to lift Australia from 7-91 to the 294-run target for victory.

Afghanistan scored a memorable triumph over the Aussies at the Twenty20 World Cup last year.

Australia's Glenn Maxwell after smashing 201 not out to beat Afghanistan in 2023. Picture: AFP

Afghanistan is coming into the clash having ended England’s run at the ODI tournament, and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi has targeted another big scalp with a semi-final spot the prize.

The Champions Trophy debutants sent England crashing out of the 50-over tournament with a thrilling eight-run victory in Lahore on Wednesday.

Afghanistan similarly stunned then holders England at the 2023 World Cup in India.

“Obviously a win like this boosts every team’s confidence and strengthens them,” Shahidi said.

“Our morale has increased even more.

Afghanistan's players celebrate after defeating England at the ICC Champions Trophy. Picture: AFP

“The upcoming match will be crucial for both teams in the race for the semi-finals.

“Australia is a tough and good team. I have said this in previous conferences as well -- that we came here to play good cricket.

“We will try to play a positive game. Just like we defeated England today, we hope to beat Australia as well.

“We won’t put that pressure on ourselves by thinking too much about the semi-final qualification.”

Rain is forecast in Lahore but even a washout will keep Afghanistan in contention to reach the semi-finals, but they will then have to depend on other results or net run-rate.

Australia beat Ashes rivals England by five wickets in their opening match, then their game with South Africa was washed out without a ball being bowled.

Another washout would send the Australians through.

Despite the uncertainty and rain also forcing them to train indoors, Australia batsman Marnus Labuschagne said his side were “ready to go”.

“I think most of our preparation sort of came before the tournament,” he said.

- with AFP

Originally published as Australia, Afghanistan, collide in must-win Champions Trophy clash