Afghanistan is set to face Australia in a crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group stage match today, Friday, February 28, 2025. The match will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, starting at 2:00 PM local time.
Venue Details:
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore: This iconic stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 27,000 and has hosted numerous international matches. The pitch here traditionally favors batsmen but can offer assistance to spinners as the game progresses.
- Live on: Tapmad, PTV Sports, Tamasha, MYCO, Geo Super.
- Head to head:
Afghanistan: 0
Australia: 4
Squad Updates:
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Australia: The Australian squad has undergone notable changes due to injuries and personal decisions. Key pacers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are absent; Starc withdrew citing a sore ankle and personal reasons.
Additionally, young batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk’s position is under scrutiny after recent underwhelming performances.The squad includes experienced players like Steve Smith (captain), Marnus Labuschagne, and Glenn Maxwell.
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Afghanistan: The Afghan team, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, is riding high after a historic victory over England, which eliminated the 2019 World Cup winners from the tournament.
Key players include Ibrahim Zadran, who scored a record-breaking 177 runs against England, and bowlers Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, who are pivotal in the spin department.
Afghanistan’s Squad overview:
- Rehmanullah Gurbaz (WC)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Ikram Alikhil
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Rahmat Shah
- Guabadin Naib
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Muhammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Nangeyalia Kharote
- Noor Ahmed
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Fareed Ahmed Malik
- Naveed Zadran
Australia Squad Overview:
- Travis Head
- Mathew Short
- Steve Smith(C)
- Marnus Labuchagne
- Alex Carey (WK)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Josh Inglis
- Nathan Ellis
- Adam Zampa
- Sean Anthony Abbot
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Jake Fraser-Mcgurk
- Spencer Johnson
- Tanveer Sangha
Match Insights:
This match is pivotal for both teams’ aspirations to reach the semi-finals. Australia aims to secure a spot in the semi-finals with a win, while Afghanistan seeks to continue their momentum and enhance their standing in international cricket. Afghanistan’s coach, Jonathan Trott, emphasized that his team will no longer be underestimated, highlighting their recent successes, including a strong performance in the 2023 50-over World Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
Given the stakes, both teams are expected to field their strongest XIs, promising an exciting and competitive match.