Updated 11:17 IST, March 1st 2025
Champions Trophy 2025: The Afghanistan vs Australia clash was washed out due to persistent rains in Lahore. The Aussies have now qualified for semi-finals
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Wet outfield in Gaddafi Stadium after persistent rains in Lahore | Image:
AP
- Afghanistan are likely to get knocked out of the Champions Trophy
- The Australia vs Afghanistan clash was washed out due to heavy rains
- Australia have qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy
Champions Trophy 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been hot waters even since they were bestowed with the responsibility of hosting the Champions Trophy. The ongoing edition of the Champions Trophy has exposed not only the Pakistan cricket team but also the country’s cricket board. The Pakistan leg of the Champions Trophy is coming to an end and it has been nothing but disappointing. The recently washed out match between Afghanistan and Australia added another chapter to the history of Pakistan’s embarrassment.
Pakistan Groundstaff Falls While Drying The Field
The Australia vs Afghanistan Champions Trophy clash exposed the below average infrastructure in the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The match was washed away due to heavy rains in the region. Australia were chasing a total of 273 runs and were 109/1 from 12.5 overs when rain intervened and the play had to be stopped. Once the rain stopped after two long hours. The groundstaff present at the Gaddafi stadium tried their very best to dry the field and get it ready on time for the play to resume.
One of the methods that the groundstaff deployed was to use giant mopers to flush the water out from the covers. Unfortunately one of the groundstaff slipped and it was caught on camera. ‘I have seen this sport. I think it’s curling’, said former India cricketer who was calling the game. The camera even caught the Australian players looking puzzled with the method being used to dry the ground.
Watch The Video Here
Australia Make It To The Semi-Finals Of The Champions Trophy
Steve Smith’s Australia have made it to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy with 4 points against their name. Australia have a net run rate of +0.475 and currently top the Group B table. Afghanistan’s semi-final qualification hopes now rest on the South Africa vs England clash.
Jos Buttler’s England have already been knocked out of the Champions Trophy. If England beat South Africa by 207 runs while bowling second or chase down South Africa’s total in 11.1 overs while batting second, then Afghanistan go through.
Published 11:17 IST, March 1st 2025
