Tag: Champions Trophy 2025

LAHORE: The crucial match of Afghanistan team against Australia in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, was washed out due to rain, which significantly reduced their chances for semi-final qualification on Friday here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Australia has secured a spot in the tournament’s semi-finals after their last two matches ended without results. They finished with four points, making them the first team from Group B to advance to the Final Four.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan still has a chance to progress in the tournament knock-out stages.

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For Afghanistan to qualify for the tournament’s semi-final, South Africa must lose to England by 207 runs while chasing a target of 301. This difficult equation makes their chances of qualification slim.

If England sets a target for South Africa, they must win by at least 207 runs. This is crucial because if England wins by just 206 runs, Afghanistan and South Africa will have equal net run rates (NRR). In that case, South Africa would qualify due to their head-to-head victory over Afghanistan.

If England is chasing a target set by South Africa, they need to score 250 runs in 19 overs or 150 runs in 13.3 overs to significantly lower South Africa’s NRR, which might help Afghanistan qualify. Other scoring scenarios could also influence their NRRs.

With this in mind, a no-result from the match in Lahore means that the semi-final teams from Group B are nearly determined.

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Updated Group B standings after Afghanistan-Australia washout

Team	Played	Won	Lost	N/R	Tied	Points	NRR
Australia (Q)	3	1	0	2	0	4	+0.475
South Africa	2	1	0	1	0	3	+2.140
Afghanistan	3	1	1	1	0	3	-0.990
England (E)	2	0	2	0	0	0	-0.305

Earlier, Australia were in total control of the 274 chase when rain arrived, having scored 109-1 in 12.5 overs. This strong performance was driven by Travis Head’s brilliant batting, who smashed 59 runs off 40 balls. His innings included nine fours and one six.

The opening pair of Matthew Short and Head, gave a flying start to Australia’s pursuit of a target of 274.

The duo put together a brisk 44-run stand in 4.3 overs, until all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai claimed the wicket of Short, giving Afghanistan a much needed breakthrough.

Short scored 20 off 15 deliveries, laced with three fours and one six.

After the wicket, skipper Steve Smith joined Head at the crease, and the pair added 65 runs together, placing Australia in a commanding position. Both Smith, who scored 19 runs, and Head remained unbeaten when play was halted due to the rain.

READ: Wasim Akram breaks silence on why he never took head coach role for Pakistan

LAHORE: Australia has sealed its place in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals after the rain on Friday washed out their last group-stage fixture against Afghanistan.

Australia were in total control of the chase when rain arrived, having scored 109-1 in 12.5 overs. This strong performance was driven by Travis Head’s brilliant batting, who smashed 59 runs off 40 balls. His innings included nine fours and one six.

The opening pair of Matthew Short and Head, gave a flying start to Australia’s pursuit of a target of 274.

The duo put together a brisk 44-run stand in 4.3 overs, until all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai claimed the wicket of Short, giving Afghanistan a much needed breakthrough.

Short scored 20 off 15 deliveries, laced with three fours and one six.

After the wicket, the skipper Steve Smith joined Head at the crease and the pair added 65 runs together, placing Australia in a commanding position. Both Smith, who scored 19 runs, and Head remained unbeaten, play was halted due to rain.

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Australia has successfully secured a semi-final spot in the tournament. After their last two matches ended without results, they finished with four points. This achievement makes them the first team from Group B to advance to the Final Four.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan still has a chance to progress in the tournament. However, even if England wins their upcoming match against South Africa on Saturday, Afghanistan will face difficulties, as they are significantly trailing the Proteas in terms of net run rate.

Earlier, Sediqullah Atal’s half-century and Azmatullah Omarzai’s blitz powered Afghanistan to 273 against Australia in the crucial encounter of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which was played here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

After opting to bat in overcast conditions, Afghanistan were bowled out on 273 in their allotted 50 overs.

Sediqullah Atal remained the top scorer with 85 off 95 balls, laced with half a dozen fours and three sixes.

Although Mitchell Starc is not part of Australia’s squad for the multi-nation tournament, Spencer Johnson delivered a Starc-like identical yorker on the fifth ball of the opening over to end Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s innings on a duck.

Ibrahim Zadran, the centurion from the previous match, joined Sediqullah Atal to steady Afghanistan with a 67-run stand for the second wicket. The duo lifted their team to 70-2 in 13.3 overs in pace-friendly conditions.

Adam Zampa broke the crucial partnership with the wicket of Zadran (22). It was not too long for Australia to strike again as Rahmat Shah (12) was caught behind off Glenn Maxwell’s bowling, leaving Afghanistan in deep trouble on a score of 91-3.

But Sediqullah remained firm at one end and scored a vital half-century. He added a 68-run partnership with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, before being dismissed in the 31st over.

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Wickets fell regularly for Afghanistan; they were 199-7 in 39 overs at one stage. But Azmatullah Omarzai’s (67) blitz lower down the order took his team to a competitive total of 273.

For Australia, Ben Dwarshuis remained the stand-out bowler with his figures of 3-47 in his ten overs. Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa bagged two wickets apiece.

Playing XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey(w), Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

READ: South Africa batter hints at retirement after Champions Trophy

South Africa top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen has revealed his plans for retirement after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. 

The right-handed batter, who has been an integral part of the South Africa white-ball squad since 2019, has said that he is open to the possibility of Champions Trophy 2025 becoming his last ICC tournament.

“It’s definitely a possibility that it’s my last ICC tournament. I’m not saying that with any preconceived ideas that I’ll call time on it, or management will call time on my career. It’s just the reality,” van der Dussen said in a recent interview.

His comment came as South Africa prepare for their last group stage match against England at the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.

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Rassie van der Dussen believed that the arrival of a new crop of top and middle-order batters might make it challenging for him to retain his spot in the South Africa squad.

“It’s such a great thing that there’s so many young players coming through, guys really playing well,” he remarked.

“A guy like Tristan Stubbs, he’s sitting on the sidelines, or Tony de Zorzi. And even if you go into the domestic structure, Matthew Breetzke came in and made that 150.”

He further highlighted the bench strength of South Africa and the competition for a place in the team.

“I’m not blind to the possibility that if I don’t perform that someone won’t be there to take my place.”

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“I certainly don’t expect any preferential treatment because I think in a healthy environment, guys push each other organically and that pushes everyone to be better,” Rassie van der Dussen concluded.

It’s Pertinent to mention that middle order batters Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton are part of South Africa’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad.

READ: PSL 10 to commence from 11 April as PCB reveals schedule

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has voiced his concerns over the ongoing debate about intent and strike rate in batting, calling out cricket analysts for misleading fans just for engagement.

After Pakistan’s disappointing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, many cricket analysts and former cricketers criticised the team’s cautious batting approach and lack of intent, which led to their exit in the group stage.

However, Salman Butt, in a video on his YouTube channel, stated that discussions should focus on skillset first, rather than just intent and strike rate.

“Intent and strike rate are the results of a batsman’s progressive excellence,” said Butt.

“When a player develops the skill to play a single delivery in multiple areas and reaches a high level of competence, only then does the conversation around intent and execution hold value.”

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He emphasized that skill development and the right resources are prerequisites for executing an aggressive style of play.

Drawing an analogy, he said, “I may have the intent to buy a Rolls-Royce, but if I don’t have the money, can I buy it? No. Similarly, intent alone is not enough in cricket; skill and capability must come first.”

Salman Butt also took a swipe at certain television analysts and social media personalities, accusing them of making sensational claims for viewership rather than genuine cricketing insight.

“Who are the people driving this narrative in Pakistan? Are they highly educated or deeply knowledgeable about the game? No. 99.9% of them are pushing these arguments for TRPs and social media engagement,” he remarked.

“Their goal is to appear as if they care more about the team than anyone else because that’s what generates views—and views bring money.”

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Butt, while addressing the former players, urged for adapting a more constructive approach, calling for action beyond mere criticism.

“If you are a former player, take real steps instead of just making statements. Work for the game beyond personal gains. Words alone won’t bring change,” he added.

While advocating for accountability, he stressed the need to respect current players.

“Cricket criticism is justified, and players should be held accountable for their performances,” he further stated.

“However, they should not be disrespected or humiliated. The legends of the past were given their due respect, and today’s players deserve the same. Criticize, but do so with decency.”

READ: PCB confirms exhibition match in Peshawar ahead of PSL 10

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has expressed his concerns about the national team’s current performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,  stating that it is going through a difficult phase.

Mohammad Hafeez’s comments came after Pakistan’s disappointing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 performance.

For the unversed, the hosts and defending champions, Pakistan, crashed out of the tournament after successive defeats at the hands of New Zealand and India.

The Men in Green’s final group game against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, leaving the 2017 edition winners without a win in their first ICC event hosted in nearly three decades.

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Pakistan finished last in Group A behind Bangladesh, with just one point and a negative Net Run Rate (-1.087).

In a recent cricket show, Mohammad Hafeez praised Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub as the Pakistan team’s ‘most valuable players’.

Mohammad Hafeez recalled his experience as the director of the Pakistan team for two months, during which he ‘gave’ opportunities to young players like Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, and Saim Ayub in the Australia tour.

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“When I joined the team as a director, there was perception that the team’s bench strength was not ready,” he said.

He further mentioned that players like Saim Ayub and Agha Salman were included, but there were questions raised about their inclusion in the team.

“We brought in players such as Saim Ayub and Agha Salman, but at the time, there were questions about why these selections were made.”

“Their inclusion prompted protests. Following that, we experimented with different players; however, many others did not get a chance to play across various formats,” Hafeez concluded.

READ: Pakistan set unwanted records after Champions Trophy early exit

Pakistan cricket team registered several unwanted records following their early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, after their final group match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain on Thursday.

The Green Shirts remained winless in the eight-team tournament, becoming the first full member ICC nation to go without a single victory in a home tournament.

In the 1999 ODI World Cup, Scotland, an associate member, recorded no victories during home matches

While Bangladesh did not participate in the first-ever ICC Knockout event in 2000 despite being the host nation, Kenya lost in the pre-quarterfinals when the tournament was held in Nairobi.

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It is pertinent to mention that since the event was renamed the Champions Trophy in 2002, host teams have always secured at least one win.

In 2006 and 2009, India and South Africa finished at the bottom of their groups but still registered at least one victory each.

For the unversed, the hosts and defending champions, Pakistan, crashed out of the tournament after successive defeats at the hands of New Zealand and India.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

The Men in Green’s final group game against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, leaving the 2017 edition winners without a win in their first ICC event hosted in nearly three decades.

Pakistan finished last in Group A behind Bangladesh, with just one point and a negative Net Run Rate (-1.087).

READ: Champions Trophy: Rassie van der Dussen gives big statement about India’s Dubai advantage

KARACHI: South Africa top-order batter Rassie van der Dussen made a bold statement about India playing all of their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 matches at one venue in Dubai.

A few months before the eight-team tournament was set to begin, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided not to send its national men’s team to Pakistan, referencing orders from their government.

The BCCI’s decision to decline sparked a strong response from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), resulting in a lengthy standoff between the two cricketing organizations.

The dispute eventually culminated in the PCB proposing a ‘Fusion Formula’, which states that both teams will play their matches at a neutral venue when India or Pakistan host an event over the next three years.

As a result, India will play all their tournament matches at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

A few days earlier, former England cricketer and commentator Naseer Hussain also raised his voice about Team India’s advantage of playing at one venue.

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Now, Van der Dussen has also echoed similar views ahead of their clash against England.

“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that the ability to train and play in one place, coupled with the absence of any inter-city or inter-country travel, gives India an edge that they will be under pressure to fully exploit,” he said.

“It’s definitely an advantage. I saw that Pakistan was commenting about it, but it’s definitely an advantage.”

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The Proteas batter further highlighted the benefit of playing in the same stadium and on the same pitches.

“If you can stay in one place, stay in one hotel, practise in the same facilities, play in the same stadium, on the same pitches every time, it’s definitely an advantage,” he observed.

However, the 36-year-old batter emphasized that the Indian team will face pressure due to their one venue advantage.

“In a sense, it puts more pressure on them because whoever is going to play them in the semi or potentially the final is going to go there and the conditions are going to be foreign but they [India] are going to be used to it.”

“The pressure would be on them to get it right because they have all that knowledge,” he concluded.

READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Rain threatens high-stakes Australia-Afghanistan clash

The high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between Australia and Afghanistan is likely to be disrupted by rain due to Lahore weather.

According to the weather forecast, the showers are expected in the morning on match day. The weather will remain cool throughout the day with variable cloudiness.

The temperatures in Lahore are expected to peak at 66°F, with a RealFeel of 65°F and a RealFeel Shade temperature of 63°F.

The forecast predicts a 61 percent chance of rain at 10:00 a.m., with the cloud cover throughout the day.

Additionally, the forecast indicates a 71% chance of precipitation, with around 0.18 inches of rainfall expected. Winds will be blowing from the southeast at 8 mph, with gusts reaching up to 15 mph. Meanwhile, the UV index remains moderate at 4.

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Rain is expected to last about two hours, contributing to two hours of precipitation.

The Probability of Thunderstorms is 18% while the cloud cover is expected to reach 63%.

Given the forecast, a potential washout will eliminate Afghanistan from the tournament. Afghanistan currently has two points after its victory over England. However, in case of a washout, Australia will go through to the semi-final with four points.

For the unversed, Australia is playing without its ace pace trio, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. They began their campaign with a thrilling win over beleaguered England.

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However, their second game against South Africa was abandoned due to rain, and both teams earned one point. This left group B wide open for all teams.

On the other hand, Afghanistan lost its opening game against South Africa in Karachi, but the Asian team bounced back in style, knocking out England with a thrilling win to keep their semi-finals hopes alive.

The Afghanistan team will face Australia in a do-or-die clash tomorrow at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

READ:  ‘Will learn from mistakes’: Mohammad Rizwan opens up after Champions Trophy debacle

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed disappointment over his team’s poor performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, vowing to learn from their mistakes. 

The hosts and defending champions, Pakistan, crashed out of the tournament after successive defeats at the hands of New Zealand and India.

The Men in Green’s final group game against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, leaving the 2017 edition winners with out a win in their first ICC event hosted in nearly three decades.

Following the above-mentioned fixture washout, Rizwan reflected on the team’s poor performances and the shortcomings in the eight-nation tournament.

“We wanted to do well and perform well in front of our nation. The expectations are very high. We didn’t perform well and it is disappointing for us,” said Rizwan.

The skipper further emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and vowed not to repeat similar mistakes in the series against New Zealand.

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“You can learn from your mistakes, and we have looked at our mistakes in this tournament and the Tri-Nation series and by the will of Almighty Allah, we will look to work on them.”

“Our next tour is of New Zealand, hopefully we will perform there since we have made a lot of mistakes against them here,” he remarked.

Mohammad Rizwan highlighted the disturbance of combination due to the absence of their regular opener Saim Ayub’s injury, refraining from making it an excuse.

“When a player who has performed in the last two to three series in Australia and South Africa, and he gets injured, so the team will get disturbed,” Rizwan said.

“As a leader, you have to look forward since there are other players in the Pakistan team too. This is not an excuse and we will learn from them,” the skipper said.

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The wicket-keeper batter also shed light on the Pakistan team’s bench strength, mentioning that he will pay attention to the players participating in the Domestic tournament, the ‘Champions Cup’.

“We want improvements in different things. If we want to improve, and for Pakistan to have a high standard, we need awareness, and professionalism. We see that in the Champions Cup, but we need more improvement,” he concluded.

READ: Pakistan-India to play again this year as Asia Cup’s window finalised: reports

RAWALPINDI: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been called off due to persistent rain here on Thursday.

The ground staff at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was forced to cover the pitch and protect the outfield due to heavy rain.

As the drizzle turned into a steady downpour, the ground crew swiftly placed covers over the pitch to ensure minimal damage, while the outfield was also covered to prevent excessive dampness.

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The showers continued throughout the afternoon, which prevented the toss from taking place. The conditions were unsuitable for play as the umpires called off the game without a ball bowled.

Consequently, Pakistan and Bangladesh were awarded one point each, with both teams ending their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign without a victory.

Both teams had previously crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the group stage after consecutive defeats against New Zealand and India.

For the record, Bangladesh (-0.443) finished the tournament above Pakistan (-1.087) on net run rate.

Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.

Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Haris Rauf.

READ: ‘He’s exactly what white-ball cricket needs’: Ian Bishop backs THIS batter for Pakistan return