The extremely anticipated match of the Champions Trophy 2025 between Afghanistan and Australia commenced in Lahore on Friday. This can be a must-win encounter for Afghanistan, as a loss would see them eradicated from the race for the semifinals.
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s opts to bat first
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi gained the toss and elected to bat first. He defined that the pitch had been beforehand used and was prone to decelerate because the match progressed, giving his bowlers a bonus within the second innings.
“We have now determined to bat first as a result of the wicket seems to be good. It’s a used pitch, and since England and Australia have already performed on it, it would seemingly decelerate within the second half. Hopefully, our spinners will make an affect,” stated Shahidi on the toss.
Steve Smith reveals why Australia would’ve bowled first
However, Australian skipper Steve Smith remained unfazed after dropping the toss. He revealed that Australia would have opted to bowl first because of unsure overhead situations and the anticipated dew issue within the second innings.
“We might have bowled first, contemplating the unsure overhead situations and the dew issue. The workforce is in good condition, and we count on a aggressive contest. We’re right here with intent and aggression, prepared to start. No adjustments in our lineup,” stated Smith on the toss.
Additionally READ: Wasim Akram predicts the winner of Afghanistan vs Australia match in Champions Trophy 2025
Taking part in XI for each groups
Australia: Matthew Quick, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi