AFG vs AUS: Afghanistan’s star batter Azmatullah Omarzai’s stellar knock against Australia has gained the spotlight. Notably, Afghanistan is currently clashing against Australia for a virtual knockout match of the Champions Trophy 2025 match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
After winning the toss, the Afghans chose to bat first but had a tough start. Australia’s fast bowler Spencer Johnson troubled them early, dismissing their opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the 1st over of the powerplay putting Afghanistan under pressure.
However, Sediqullah Atal turned the game around with a magnificent knock of 85 off 95 balls. His onslaught was later supported by Azmatullah Omarzai.
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Azmatullah Omarzai’s fiery knock 67 off 63 balls helped the Afghans post a total of 273 at the end of 50 overs. His knock featured one boundary and 5 huge sixes that instantly gained attention from the spectators.
Notably, Azmatullah Omarzai has hit 41 sixes since the start of ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, the second most in the timeframe after India’s skipper Rohit Sharma’s 47.
Australia’s lethal bowling attack dismissed the entire Afghan side in 50 overs with Ben Dwarshuis picking a three wicket haul along with Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa who picked 2 wickets each.
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‘These guys love bowling stump-to-stump’ – Adam Zampa Reflects on Australia’s bowling in AFG vs AUS
Speaking in the mid innings, Adam Zampa opined on Australia’s performance against Afghanistan in the first innings.
Zampa noted, “Mixed bag today, was struggling to find my lengths but was able to create a couple of opportunities which were taken. Bowled a couple of overs after the powerplay, it held on a bit back then but when the ball got older, it came on better onto the bat. These guys love bowling stump-to-stump, especially Rash (Rashid Khan), we need to play straight. We are happy with that score, they put us under pressure before in the 2023 ODI WC and 2024 T20 World Cup, tonight we need to be cautious.”
AFG vs AUS Scorecard
Scorecard: Afghanistan [Sediqullah Atal 85 (95), Azmatullah Omarzai 67 (63)], Australia [Ben Dwarshuis (3-47), Adam Zampa (2-48)]
