Afghanistan faced the challenge of putting up a big total in their do-or-die match. However, their batters struggled against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite that, fighting fifties from Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai provided some resistance, helping Afghanistan reach 273 runs before being bowled out in 50 overs.
Winning the toss at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan opted to bat first. However, their decision came under question when Rahmanullah Gurbaz departed for a duck in the opening over. Their hero from the victory against England, Ibrahim Zadran, also failed to deliver, scoring just 22 runs before falling to Adam Zampa’s spin.
Youngster Sediqullah Atal tried to steady the innings at number three. He smashed Glenn Maxwell for a massive six to reach his fifty in 64 balls. After his half-century, Atal increased his attacking approach, taking on Zampa and Maxwell while pushing towards a century.
However, Spencer Johnson ended his charge. Atal mistimed a good-length delivery, lofting it in the air, where Aussie skipper Steve Smith dived forward at cover to take a sharp catch. Before getting out, the 23-year-old played a crucial knock of 85 runs, including six fours and three sixes.
After his dismissal, Afghanistan’s batting lineup collapsed. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi struggled to accelerate, scoring only 20 off 49 balls. Shortly after, Mohammad Nabi (1) was run out without making an impact.
Towards the end, Azmatullah Omarzai’s fighting fifty helped Afghanistan surpass the 250-run mark. Before getting dismissed in the final over by Ben Dwarshuis, Omarzai scored 67 off 63 balls, hitting one four and five sixes.
For Australia, Dwarshuis was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Zampa and Johnson picked up two wickets each.
