Afghanistan National Cricket Team Vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard

The winner of this clash will earn their spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals and also mark Afghanistan’s debut at an International Cricket Council tournament’s last four stage.

Afghanistan batted first on a pitch that had seen considerable rain before they reached 273. At that point, rain stopped play.

Afghanistan: Azmatullah Omarzai (c), Sediqullah Atal (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Afghan cricket team is a full member of the International Cricket Council with Test, One-Day International and T20 International status. Representing Afghanistan internationally on all three forms of the game – Test Matches, One Day Internationals and T20s – they have earned many admirers due to their style of play on and off the pitch. It may come as something of a shock that this nation-side is even considered cricket worthy; given that Afghanistan is more commonly associated with war than sport.

The openers have made an excellent start and formed a good partnership. After 76 balls they have managed 71 off of Naib taking another single and Azmatullah hitting a straight six for four runs down the ground.

Johnson returns to the attack as he looks to get off the mark, looking short with his delivery which was dropped at deep square leg before pushing it back towards mid wicket and caught by another fielder there as well.

Spencer Johnson took to bowling the new ball as he attempted to limit their partnership. Both openers managed a few runs before Ali was dismissed for 95 off 85 balls – although he had looked poised to hit an effective boundary shot, it flew wide of long on and ended his innings before reaching its potential outcome.

Australia: Travis Head (c), Matthew Short

Every cricket match contains decisive moments that alter the balance of power. Afghanistan versus Australia was no different: Australia captain Mitch Marsh won the toss and chose to field first; however, Afghan batsmen quickly attacked him with an impressive opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran that amassed 118 runs. They quickly put control back in Afghan hands.

Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head: Bye! Nabi angles it onto Travis’ pads while Head backs away and flicks it square to backward point for one.

Travis Head edges Azmatullah Omarzai for four and makes the breakthrough on short fine leg for a boundary. On a good length around middle, Head pushes it through for four! EDGED AND BOUNDARY!

Australia have lost their momentum, and are in danger of falling short on scoring enough runs to secure a quarter-final berth. They require one or more of their top batsmen to come through and score big to remain competitive in this matchup.

Starc and Hazlewood are bowling well but the pitch isn’t providing them much assistance. While not flat enough for spinners to be effective, it doesn’t aid batters either. Rabada has been superb, bowling a pleasant back of the length ball that keeps Afghanistan batters at bay without going too short and cutting him. He’s keeping pressure on them which Australia needs in order to challenge for a top four finish.

Afghanistan: Azmatullah Omarzai (wk), Sediqullah Atal (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Cricket has become an enduring symbol of hope and unity in Afghanistan, an otherwise fractured nation which has known little but war in recent memory. Through their success and players’ difficult journeys to tournaments, Afghans have come together in unprecedented ways through cricket.

Afghanistan cricketers have enjoyed a strong support network which includes former military and political leaders as well as individuals outside of Afghanistan who share its unique identity, giving the game its special flavor. This spirit of inclusion has given Afghanistan cricket its distinct flavor.

After their game against South Africa, Afghanistan players marked their victory by unveiling a specially-designed badge on their kits that depicted a red tulip and golden wattle – Australia and Afghanistan national flowers respectively – entwined around a cricket ball.

Their next match against India was won comfortably, sending them into the Super 10 stage. Now in a tough group with New Zealand, West Indies, Papua New Guinea and Uganda; making it through to the final four will be difficult.

No matter the circumstances, Afghanistan have not faltered in their resolve to be successful. Their players possess natural flair and skill for the game which was evidenced during performances against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Afghanistan are gradually becoming an unstoppable force throughout this tournament.

Australia: Travis Head (wk), Matthew Short

As Afghanistan marched around Kingstown’s Arnos Vale ground prior to their match against Australia, they donned special jerseys with an intricate red tulip and golden wattle design encased within a cricket ball – two national flowers of Afghanistan and Australia that represent them both enmeshed together as part of a cricket ball design. It was an emotional symbol of their connection to Australia, where many have found work or study opportunities, while also serving as a reminder that Australia still needs its team on the world stage. International Cricket Council doesn’t recognise them as full national sides and funding remains uncertain for them, however after the 20-over exhibition match an online fund was set up by Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation to raise money for them.

Mohammad Nabi pitches length on off, Steve Smith reaches out for it on the pads and drives it towards mid off for a single.