Live Scores

cricket Live Scores & Fixtures

Ashes 2021: Australia announces their squad for home series

Cricket Australia has announced their 15 men squad for the first two tests against England for the Ashes 2021

Nov 17, 2021, 6:29 AM2 min read

The Ashes 2021 is set to start on 8 December 2021 in Brisbane. Ahead of the tournament, Australia has announced their 15 men squad for the first two Ashes test. The first test will be played in Brisbane, whereas the second test is a pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval.

Ashes 2021 squad announcement from Australia | SportzPoint.com
Image - Republic World

Also Read: Ashes 2021-22: Joe Root believes this player can be "massive" for England

Marcus Harris is as expected back on the playing xi, whereas Usman Khwaja is also making his comeback. Jhye Richardson has been rewarded for this Sheffield Shield record, whereas Michael Neser has been included despite his injury concerns. Matthew Wade is the only notable absentee from the side that last lost against India at the Gabba.

Australia's test squad (First two tests): Tim Paine (C/WK), Pat Cummins(VC), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.

Australia Squad for first two tests | Ashes 2021 Squad | SportzPoint.com
Australia Squad for the first two tests

Ashes 2021 : Marcus Harris to open for Australia in the Ashes 2021

George Bailey hinted earlier that Marcus Harris can open with Warner, but he confirmed the news after team selection.

"Marcus has been a consistent run-scorer domestically and had a strong winter further developing his game with Leicestershire. He is a good player who will be looking to build a strong partnership. That's along with David Warner at the top of the order,"

Bailey said on confirmation of the squad

Read Also: WTC Stats: Most Wickets in the World Test Championship

Along with the main team, an "A" squad has also been announced. They will face the English lions at the same time as the first Ashes Test. World Cup star Mitchell Marsh is a part of that side, whereas Josh Inglis and Sean Abbott are also included.

Australia A Squad: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Bryce Street.

Next Article

Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

India won their first 50-over ICC title in 12 years as they won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Men in Blue won their third ICC Champions Trophy title, and went past Australia’s tally of two. Here are the past winners of the last 10 ICC tournaments.

Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

Indian men's cricket team finally won their first 50-over ICC title in 12 years as they defeated New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final by four wickets in Dubai. Here are the past winners of the last 10 ICC tournaments.

Read also: Every inaugural ICC tournament winners

1. T20 World Cup- West Indies (2016)

Remember the game: the last six balls of the 2016 T20 World Cup relived

Eden Gardens, Kolkata hosted the 2016 T20 World Cup on 3rd April between England and West Indies. West Indies defeated their opponent by 4 wickets and won the final with 2 balls remaining. Carols Braithwaite with four sixes in four balls to Ben Stokes became an overnight hero for the West Indies team. Marlon Samuels scored 85* off 66 balls and became the Man of the Match.

Read also: Virat Kohli records as captain in white ball Cricket

2. Champions Trophy- Pakistan (2017)

Most ICC Trophy wins by any team - sportzpoint.com

The Oval, London hosted one of the biggest cricket rivalries on 18 June 2017. The match was the 2017 Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan. Pakistan sent the Indian squad back to the pavilion in less than 31 overs and won the final by 180 runs. Fakhar Zaman won the man of the match award.

Read also: 5 Youngest Captains to lift the ICC Cricket World Cup

3. ICC World Cup- England (2019)

ICC World Cup 2019 - England - sportzpoint.com

The night of 14th July 2019 has to be one of the most interesting and different in cricket history. Both England and New Zealand scored the same during their innings and also in the super-over. The result of the match was decided in an interesting method; the team with the superior number of boundaries was the winner. Hence, England won the tournament.

Read also: WTC Final: ICC Event winners since 2000

4. World Test Championship- New Zealand (2021)

Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments - WTC 2021 - New Zealand - sportzpoint.com

Winning the World Test Championship has to be New Zealand's biggest victory in cricket history. Southampton hosted the final from 18 June to 23rd June 2021. Kane Williamson led the team to victory and the final test match by 8 wickets. With bowling figures of 5/31, 21 & 2/30, Kyle Jamieson was the Man of the match in the final.

Read also: T20 World Cup 2021: Man of the Series, highest wicket-taker, and highest run-getter

5. T20 World Cup- Australia (2021)

Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments - sportzpoint.com

Australia once again proved its dominance and worth on the night of the 2021 T20 World Cup final. The entire Australian team contributed their best and clinched the trophy last night to beat New Zealand by 8 wickets. David Warner chose the best platform to prove himself after a humiliating IPL season. Mitchell Marsh scored an unbelievable knock of 77* in 50 balls and won the Man of the Match award.

6. T20 World Cup - England (2022)

England won the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 - sportzpoint.com

England won their third ICC trophy as they clinched the T20 World Cup 2022 title after beating Pakistan in the final by five wickets. Sam Curran was adjudged the player of the tournament for his 13 wickets in the tournament. Curran was also the player of the final as his 3/22 helped England restrict Pakistan to 137 in the first inning. This was England's second T20 World Cup title.

7. World Test Championship - Australia (2023)

World Test Championship 2023 - sportzpoint.com

India again failed to win any ICC trophy since 2013 as Pat Cummins-led Australia defeated India by 209 runs. Australia scored a massive 469 in the first inning as Steve Smith and Travis Head scored tons for the Aussies. The first-inning score proved to be too much for India as they scored only 296 in the reply and Australia put more pressure with 270 in the second inning.

Despite starts for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, India failed to get close to the score and eventually suffered the defeat. 

With this win, Josh Hazlewood, David Warner, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc became the only players to win all ICC Trophies. 

8. ICC World Cup - Australia (2023)

Two-time ODI World Cup winners - Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Steven Smith, Josh Hazlewood, David Warner, and Mitchell Marsh - strike a pose with the trophy, India vs Australia, Men's ODI World Cup final, Ahmedabad, November 19, 2023 - sportzpoint.com
Two-time ODI World Cup winners.

Pat Cummins and Australia's dream run continued as they won the ICC Men's World Cup for a record sixth time in 2023 defeating India, again. In one of the most visited and watched World Cup finals in Ahmedabad, Australia defeated India by six wickets.

Despite a great start with the bat, India lost captain Rohit Sharma and post that kept on losing wickets. They could only score 240 in the first inning and though Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami tried their level best, Travis Head's excellent ton (137) took Australia over the line. Head was player of the match in back-to-back ICC Finals. 

Read Also: India's Finals at ICC Men's Tournaments Since 2013 

9. T20 World Cup - India (2024)

India's performances in every T20 World Cup - India won the T20 World Cup 2024 - sportzpoint.com

India finally broke their jinx of ICC finals after beating South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados. They clinched their second T20 World Cup title as Rohit Sharma's men defeated the Proteas team by seven runs in the final.

Read Also: Every Player of the Tournament winners in T20 World Cup History

Virat Kohli (76) and Axar Patel (47) played some solid knocks to take India to the highest total (176) in a T20 World Cup final. Though South Africa were cruising for an easy win, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Arhsdeep Singh managed to pull things back for India with the ball. Virat Kohli was adjudged the player of the final and Jasprit Bumrah was named the Player of the tournament for his 15 wickets in the tournament. 

10. Champions Trophy - India (2025)

Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

India made it back-to-back global cricket tournaments with a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai.

Chasing 252 against the Blackcaps, India reached home in 49 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The spinners put up a splendid show, helping India restrict the Blakcaps for 251 for 7 after the side latter team won the toss and opted to bat first. 

Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2 for 45) picked two wickets apiece while Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami scalped one wicket each. Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53) played crucial knocks for the Blackcaps. 

In the chase, India got off to a flying start, thanks to Rohit Sharma's dominating 76. Shreyas Iyer (48) and KL Rahul (34 not out) also played crucial knocks as India edged past New Zealand to win the Champions Trophy for the third time.

This was India’s second consecutive ICC title win - it had won the T20 World Cup crown in June last year. India has now won two ODI World Cups, two T20 World Cups and three Champions Trophy titles.

Note: The article was first written by Shreya Ghosh and then got updated by Koushik Biswas.

Next Article

Afghanistan vs Australia Champions Trophy 2025 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and free commentary: Australia qualify for semis after match gets abandoned

Stay updated with the Afghanistan vs Australia Champions Trophy 2025 match as this match is set to decide who will qualify for the semis of the tournament from Group B.

Feb 28, 2025, 4:14 PM1 min read

Afghanistan vs Australia Champions Trophy 2025 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and free commentary: Australia powers to 109/1 before rain halts the game | sportzpoint.com

Hello and welcome to another LIVE coverage of Champions Trophy 2025 on Sportz Point. 

Today, we will cover probably the most important match of the group stage this season. This is Koushik Biswas and Payal Debnath with the Afghanistan vs Australia Champions Trophy 2025 match from the web desk. 

Last time when these two teams met, we saw one of the greatest ODI knocks from Glenn Maxwell in the ICC World Cup 2023. This is a must-win match for Afghanistan. If they lose, they will fail to qualify for the semis. 

Read Also | Champions Trophy 2025: How can Afghanistan qualify for the semi-final? Group B Scenarios

So, sit back and relax as we bring you the stats, LIVE updates, images and free commentary of the match for you. Enjoy the coverage. 

LIVE Updates

Feb 28, 2025, 4:14 PM

Australia qualify for the semis

Match abandoned! A shame for the fans in Lahore, but the rain claims another fixture in this Champions Trophy. A point each means Australia are through to the semi-finals! They move to four points while Afghanistan, now on three, need to wait until tomorrow to see if they have snuck through.

Feb 28, 2025, 2:21 PM

Meantime news from the England camp

Feb 28, 2025, 2:03 PM

The rain halts the game

The rain halts the game. Australia are 109/1 after 12.5 overs. 

They are winning as per the DLS at the moment. 

Feb 28, 2025, 2:01 PM

Current equation

Feb 28, 2025, 2:00 PM

Australia cross 100 in 12 overs!

The Aussies are going for a big win here and they are not letting the foot off the gas. 

They cross 100 in 12 overs. 

Head 55* and Smith 16*.

Feb 28, 2025, 1:55 PM

Head scores his 17th ODI fifty!

In just 34 balls, the opener completes his 17th ODI fifty and surely, he would love to take the game away from the Afghans. 

Australia 96/1. 

Feb 28, 2025, 1:46 PM

Head has the luck!

Head throws his hands at the ball and the edge goes flying past the keeper. 

He moves to 45 from 28 balls after hat-trick of fours against Azmat.

Feb 28, 2025, 1:38 PM

Head hits three fours against Farooqi

Farooqi has been poor here. He has bowled a half-volley, a short ball and given room Head all in one over. 

Head has hit him for boundaries in every occasion. 

Feb 28, 2025, 1:35 PM

Azmat at the top

Feb 28, 2025, 1:32 PM

Australia reach 50 in five over

Steve Smith comes to the crease and hits two back-to-back boundaries as they reach 50 in five overs. 

Feb 28, 2025, 1:30 PM

Short goes for 20!

After another dropped catch, finally Afghanistan holds on to a catch. 

Gulbadin Naib takes a good catch running back at mid-on and Azmatullah Omarzai gets the big wicket of Short!

Australia 44/1

Feb 28, 2025, 1:24 PM

Rashid Khan drops Head!

Massive point of the match. Rashid Khan at mid-on drops Travis Head on 6. 

Head tried to go over the circle against Fazalhaq Farooqi and could not get the connection. 

Feb 28, 2025, 1:22 PM

Terrific start for Australia | 30/0

Solid, fast start for Australia with the bat. Travis Head and Matthew Short have given Australia the start they were looking for. 

Australia 30/0 after 3.

Feb 28, 2025, 12:35 PM

AFG 273 all out after 50 overs

Noor got a top edge on that and given out.

Feb 28, 2025, 12:34 PM

Australia takes review

swings and misses outside off, but steals a bye. Noor to face the final ball. He misses the pull, caught behind appeal, and another bye taken.

Australia takes the review to check whether there was any bat on it. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:32 PM

Azmatullah departs

Caught at deep cover and Azmatullah brilliant knock finally comes to an end. 

Fazalhaq Farooqi the last man in. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:30 PM

One-bounce four

Thundered down the ground by Azmatullah for a one-bounce four. Smashed to deep midwicket and Azmatullah prefers not to run again. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:29 PM

Dwarshuis to bowl the final over

Dot ball to start with as Azmatullah doesn’t want to take the single. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:28 PM

AFG 268/8 after 49 overs

A couple of dot balls to follow - a slower one and then a yorker from Ellis.

SIX! Slow and shortish outside off, and Azmatullah throws his hands at it and clears wide long-off for another maximum.

A single to end the over and Azmatullah will keep strike. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:26 PM

Six from Azmatullah's bat

Ellis bowls out. Noor takes a single first ball. SIX! Azmatullah takes this from outside off-stump and launches the ball over deep midwicket for a colossal six. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:21 PM

Fifty up for Azmatullah

Fifty up for Azmatullah, off just 54 balls, and this has been an excellent knock so far. 

A wide and a single to end the over, and six runs from the 48th. 

AFG 254/8 after 48 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 12:18 PM

250 comes for AFG

Dwarshuis starts off with a wide outside off-stump. 250 up for Afghanistan with a single off the second ball of the over. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:16 PM

AFG 248/8 after 47 overs

Single first ball for Noor. SIX! Shot! An incredible hit down the ground by Azmatullah. 

It was a length ball on middle stump and thumped for a straight six. That was 103 metres! Launched over extra cover next ball by Azmatullah, and the ball falls safely in the deep for a couple more.

A couple of slower deliveries in a row and Azmatullah can’t put them away, resulting in two crucial dot balls. A single at deep midwicket for Azmatullah to end the over. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:13 PM

AFG 238/8 after 46 overs

Noor Ahmad is the next man in. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:08 PM

Rashid Khan departs

Carved behind point by Rashid to the boundary first ball as Dwarshuis continues. And Rashid is gone next ball. 

Short again, Rashid looked to heave this down the ground but he gets a top edge on it and Maxwell settles under this skier at long-on. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:06 PM

AFG 230/7 after 45 overs

Pulled away to deep midwicket by Azmatullah and brilliant stop in the deep by Maxwell to keep it down to a couple.

Short, Rashid steps out to flat-bat this on the off-side but the ball runs away to the third-man boundary off the toe end of the bat. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:03 PM

Ellis returns

A couple of dot balls to start the over. 

Feb 28, 2025, 12:00 PM

Dwarshuis with the ball

Four runs off the first three balls. Misfield at point and a couple more for Rashid off the fourth ball of the over.

He looks to guide this angled delivery to third man with soft hands, but misses. 

Beaten outside off again off the last ball. 

AFG 223/7 after 44 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 11:58 AM

AFG 217/7 after 43 overs

A couple of twos for Rashid, who first steps out to clear the infield on the off-side and then sweeps one to deep square-leg.

Twelve runs from the over and Afghanistan won’t mind that. 

Feb 28, 2025, 11:56 AM

Massive maximum for Azmatullah

Massive maximum for Azmatullah. He backs away outside leg-stump and slog sweeps this over midwicket for half a dozen. 

Feb 28, 2025, 11:55 AM

AFG 205/7 after 42 overs

Ellis continues. Excellent stuff from Ellis, as just four singles come from the over. 

Feb 28, 2025, 11:50 AM

200 comes for AFG

Zampa comes back. 200 up for Afghanistan in 40.3 overs as Azmatullah takes a single.

Rashid off the mark with a single through square-leg as he flicks the ball off the back foot. 

AFG 201/7 after 41 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 11:46 AM

Gulbadin departs

Gulbadin is gone.

He was looking to clear the leg-side boundary, but ended up skying this very high in the air and Inglis does well to settle under it. 

AFG 199/7 after 40 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 11:46 AM

Ellis continues

Short ball, pulled by Naib, and Short throws himself at midwicket to hold on to what would have been a stunning catch, but the ball just slips out of his grip.

Feb 28, 2025, 11:41 AM

AFG 197/6 after 39 overs

Azmatullah slashes hard outside off as Johnson angles the ball away, and the batter gets a thick outside edge to deep third for a single. 

Feb 28, 2025, 11:40 AM

Johnson comes again

Over the wicket to Naib. FOUR! Short, good bouncer, but Naib gets a top edge on the pull and the ball runs away to the boundary behind the keeper.

That seems to have gone off the helmet, so given four leg-byes. 

Feb 28, 2025, 11:36 AM

Loud appeal for caught behind

Ellis with the ball. Loud appeal for caught behind but the umpire doesn’t move.

Smith reviews and there is daylight between bat and ball as Azmatullah can’t connect.

Guided behind point by Azmatullah for a couple to end the over. 

AFG 190/6 after 38 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 11:31 AM

AFG 186/6 after 37 overs

That was a short ball down leg-side, which the keeper couldn’t collect cleanly. He throws the ball at the stumps, however, and Johnson shows good presence of mind to back up and break the stumps. 

Feb 28, 2025, 11:29 AM

Mohammad Nabi run out

Johnson again. Full outside off and driven through extra-cover by Azmatullah for a couple. OUT! Nabi is caught outside his crease the striker’s end and that’s an unfortunate dismissal. 

Feb 28, 2025, 11:20 AM

Hashmatullah departs

Zampa is back. A lot of width outside off and cut away for a single by Azmatullah to deep cover. OUT! Hashmatullah is gone. 

Feb 28, 2025, 11:18 AM

AFG 175/4 after 35 overs

Short into his seventh over. SIX! Azmatullah decides to get a move on.

He goes for the slog-sweep and clears midwicket with ease.

Feb 28, 2025, 11:16 AM

Johnson continues.

Just three singles and leg-bye from the over. Hashmatullah drags his score to 19 off 46 balls by the end of the over. 

AFG 166/4 after 34 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 11:08 AM

Azmatullah Omarzai comes to bat

Azmatullah Omarzai is the next man in. He is off the mark with a single at deep fine. 

AFG 161/4 after 32 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 11:03 AM

Atal departs

Johnson comes back replacing Zampa. The bowling change makes the difference as he takes Atal's wicket.

Driven straight to the cover fielder by Atal, and Smith holds on to a low catch. 

Feb 28, 2025, 11:01 AM

Short replaces Ellis

Just three runs from the over.

Pressure building on Hashmat, while Atal nears a brilliant ton. 

AFG 159/3 after 31 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 11:00 AM

Run out chance

Hashmat is sent back from halfway down the pitch by Atal after the captain chops the ball to mid-off.

There is some disagreement between the batters but the captain survives. A couple at deep cover for Hashmat to end the over. 

AFG 156/3 after 30 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:57 AM

150 comes for AFG

Hammered over long-on by Atal for a maximum as Zampa continues.

That’s 150 up in 29.1 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:56 AM

Loud appeal for lbw

Ellis is convinced it is gone, but not given by the umpire and Smith won’t review either.

A single to end the over as Atal keeps strike. 

AFG 145/3 after 29 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:54 AM

50 runs partnership for AFG

Ellis comes around the wicket. Banged in short and swatted away by Hashmatullah to deep point for a single. 

A bit of width and driven square of the wicket by Atal for a boundary. 

That’s 50 runs for the partnership off 64 balls. 

Feb 28, 2025, 10:52 AM

Ellis continues

Two dots in a row for Hashmatullah and the pressure is building on the skipper now. 11 runs off 33 balls for him. 

Feb 28, 2025, 10:51 AM

AFG 138/3 after 28 overs

A single for Hashmatulla at cover, where Short misfields but doesn’t allow a second. 

Feb 28, 2025, 10:50 AM

Atal hit six

Zampa is greeted back into the attack with a maximum by Atal.

He steps out, doesn’t really middle it but the ball still just sails over the boundary at long-off. 

Feb 28, 2025, 10:48 AM

Nathan Ellis comes back

Keeps hitting the deck hard, and just two singles from the over. 

AFG 131/3 after 27 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:45 AM

Short continues

Just three singles from the over. 

AFG 129/3 after 26 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:40 AM

Atal continues to find boundaries

Atal continues to find boundaries. Pulls the ball straight to midwicket for four. 

10 runs came in that over. 

AFG 126/3 after 25 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:33 AM

Atal gets to his half-century

Afghanistan vs Australia Champions Trophy 2025 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and free commentary | Sediqullah Atal gets to his fifty; Maxwell gives third blow by dismissing Rahmat Shah; AFG 129/3

Atal comes down the track and goes over long on. That’s fifty for him as well.

Shahidi too comes down the track and gets an inside edge past keeper for a lucky four. 

AFG 113/3 after 23 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:30 AM

100 comes for Afghanistan

Feb 28, 2025, 10:25 AM

Matthew Short into the attack

Just a single came in that over. 

AFG 94/3 after 20 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:21 AM

Hashmatullah Shahidi at the crease

Six runs off the over. 

AFG 93/3 after 19 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:20 AM

Rahmat departs

Maxwell comes into the attack and takes Rahmat's wicket.

Outside edge straight to keeper. Sharp catch. 

Feb 28, 2025, 10:18 AM

AFG 87/2 after 18 overs

A full toss by Zampa and Atal hits it over mid off for four. 

Feb 28, 2025, 10:17 AM

Atal trying to hit boundary

Atal has been working the ball around the ground but the boundaries have dried up.

An interesting phase of play this after the introduction of spinners. 

Feb 28, 2025, 10:10 AM

Spinners controlling the scoring rate

Spinners have once again controlled the scoring rate ever since they have come into the attack. Four runs in the last 12 balls. 

AFG 75/2 after 16 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:06 AM

Maiden over from Maxwell

AFG 71/2 after 15 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:05 AM

Rahmat Shah comes at four

Rahmat Shah is off the mark with a single. 

AFG 71/2 after 14 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:02 AM

Zadran departs

Adam Zampa takes Zadran's wicket.

Wide ball outside off, Zadran chases it but cuts it straight to backward point. He falls for 22. 

Feb 28, 2025, 10:00 AM

Glenn Maxwell into the attack

Maxwell is getting the ball turn. Seven runs have come in the last 12 balls. 

AFG 70/1 after 13 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 10:00 AM

AFG 68/1 after 12 overs

Just five runs from the over 

Feb 28, 2025, 9:53 AM

Singles are coming regularly

Afghanistan’s scoring rate has been pretty good and the singles are coming regularly as well. 

AFG 63/1 after 11 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 9:50 AM

Johnson continues

On the pads and Atal tucks it away towards fine leg for four.

Feb 28, 2025, 9:47 AM

End of powerplay

AFG 54/1 after first powerplay of the game.

Feb 28, 2025, 9:44 AM

Nathan Ellis into the attack

Change in bowling, Nathan Ellis into the attack. Starts with a down the leg wide. Lose delivery, half-tracker outside off and Zadran punishes it towards cover for four. 

Feb 28, 2025, 9:43 AM

AFG 48/1 after 9 overs

Seven runs came in that over. 

Feb 28, 2025, 9:41 AM

Another four from Atal's bat

Atal continues to look for boundaries. Four! On the pads and Atal tickles it away fine. 

Feb 28, 2025, 9:38 AM

AFG 41/1 after 8 overs

Now Atal drives past point and gets two runs more. 

Eight runs from the over.

Feb 28, 2025, 9:35 AM

Zadran gets his first boundary

Now Zadran gets his first boundary as he drives towards cover point, opening the face of the bat. 

Feb 28, 2025, 9:33 AM

Three more runs

Another push to the cover region and Atal gets three more runs. 

Nine runs from the over. 

AFG 33/1 after 7 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 9:32 AM

Atal finally gets boundary

Atal connects the ball well and drives the ball through the cover for four! A very good looking shot. 

Feb 28, 2025, 9:30 AM

Atal trying really hard to counter-attack

Atal has been trying really hard to counter-attack but the swing has made it difficult for him to score.

He gets an outside edge but falls just short of the first slip! 

AFG 24/1 after 6 overs.

Feb 28, 2025, 9:25 AM

AFG 23/1 after 5

It has been a bit tough for the batters but the extras have helped the Afghans get some runs on the board. 

Despite plays and misses, they are now 23/1 after 5 overs. 

Afghanistan vs Australia Champions Trophy 2025 LIVE Updates, Scores, News and free commentary | sportzpoint.com

 

Feb 28, 2025, 9:16 AM

It is swinging MILES

Unpredictable from Spencer Johnson. 

In his second over, he first nipped one back in which missed the stumps by inches and went for four byes. 

Then, he sent one down the leg side for another four byes. The next ball he was right on the money and missed the edge of Sediq narrowly. 

Afghanistan 18/1 after 3. 

Feb 28, 2025, 9:06 AM

Gurbaz goes for duck | AFG 3/1

Spencer Johnson with an inswinging yorker gets Rahmanullah Gurbaz on duck. 

It was a bit like Mitchell Starc and he was able to go under the bat of Gurbaz. 

The ball had hit Gurbaz's toe and went on to hit the stumps.

Afghanistan 3/1

Afghanistan v Australia - ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Feb 28, 2025, 8:47 AM

Australia Playing XI

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

Feb 28, 2025, 8:47 AM

Afghanistan Playing XI

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

Feb 28, 2025, 8:47 AM

Toss Update | Afghanistan wins the toss, elects to bat

Afghanistan wins the toss, elects to bat | sportzpoint.com

Both captains are in the middle - Hashmatullah Shahidi and Steve Smith. 

Afghanistan wins the toss and elects to bat.

Feb 28, 2025, 8:05 AM

Form Guide | Afghanistan

Afghanistan players rejoice in their win over England, Afghanistan vs England, Lahore, ICC Champions Trophy, February 26, 2025

Afghanistan Recent Matches Overview

  1. February 26, 2025 – 8th Match, Group B vs England: Afghanistan won by 8 runs
  2. February 21, 2025 – 3rd Match, Group B vs South Africa: South Africa won by 107 runs
  3. December 21, 2024 – 3rd ODI vs Zimbabwe: Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining)
  4. December 19, 2024 – 2nd ODI vs Zimbabwe: Afghanistan won by 232 runs
  5. December 17, 2024 – 1st ODI vs Zimbabwe: No result

Afghanistan has won 3 of its last 5 matches, including a crucial victory against England. 

Feb 28, 2025, 8:03 AM

Form Guide | Australia

England vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Inglish and Aussie batters chased down biggest target of ICC ODI events | sportzpoint.com

Australia Recent Matches Overview

  1. February 25, 2025 – 7th Match, Group B vs South Africa: Match abandoned without a ball bowled
  2. February 22, 2025 – 4th Match, Group B vs England: Australia won by 5 wickets (with 15 balls remaining)
  3. February 14, 2025 – 2nd ODI vs Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka won by 174 runs
  4. February 12, 2025 – 1st ODI vs Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka won by 49 runs
  5. November 10, 2024 – 3rd ODI vs Pakistan: Pakistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining)

Australia has won only 1 of its last 5 matches, with losses to Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Feb 28, 2025, 8:00 AM

Afghanistan vs Australia: Head-to-head stats

Afghanistan have never beaten Australia in ODI format. In the four matches they have played against each other in the format, Australia have won all of them. 

Feb 28, 2025, 7:58 AM

How to watch the match?

Fans from India can watch the Afghanistan vs Australia match LIVE on Star Sports TV Channel and also on Jio Hotstar Channel with a paid subscription. 

Feb 28, 2025, 7:56 AM

Match Details

Match: Afghanistan vs Australia

Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Group B

Date: 28 February 2025

Time: 2.30 pm IST

Venue: Lahore

Next Article

Champions Trophy 2025: How can Afghanistan qualify for the semi-final? Group B Scenarios

Here is the current scenario in Group B and the calculation needed for Afghanistan to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Feb 28, 2025, 4:34 AM3 min read

Champions Trophy 2025: How can Afghanistan qualify for the semi-final? Group B Scenarios | sportzpoint.com
Afghanistan knocked out England out of the Champions Trophy

After their sensational victory over England, Afghanistan now have a shot at the semi-final berth in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. This now means we have a three-way battle for the semi-final spot between Afghanistan, Australia and South Africa. 

Group B Points table | ICC Champions Trophy

Team M W L PT NRR
SA 2 1 0 3 2.140
AUS 2 1 0 3 0.475
AFG 2 1 1 2 -0.990
ENG 2 0 2 0 -0.305

Here is how the scenarios are currently in Group B. 

Ryan Rickelton celebrates his maiden ODI ton, Afghanistan vs South Africa, Champions Trophy, Karachi, February 21, 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Ryan RIckleton's maiden ODI ton helped SA beat Afghanistan. Image | Associated Press

We can check from the points table that South Africa are leading the Group B now with 3 points and a positive net run rate of 2.140. Meantime, Australia are following them with the same amount of points but a lesser NRR of 0.475. 

On the other hand, Afghanistan are third with 2 points and a negative NRR of -0.990 with England getting knocked out of the tournament already.

Read Also | England vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Inglis and Aussie batters chased down biggest target of ICC ODI events

Matches left in Group B

  • Australia vs Afghanistan - 28 February 2025 - Lahore
  • England vs South Africa - 1st March 2025 - Karachi

How can Afghanistan qualify for semis of Champions Trophy 2025?

As per the current situation, here are the below things that can happen. 

If Australia and South Africa win

If both Australia and South Africa win against their opponents, they will qualify with five points each. That means, for Afghanistan to stay in the competition, they will have to beat Australia by any means. 

If Australia and England win

If Australia win against Afghanistan and England win against South Africa, Aussies will reach the semis with five points while South Africa will qualify as the second best from Group B. 

If Afghanistan and South Africa win

If the Afghans beat Australia, and South Africa also beat England, then South Affrica will qualify as the group topper with five points and Afghanistan with four points will also qualify as the second best. 

If Afghanistan and England win

This is the most ideal situation for Afghanistan. If they can beat Australia and the England beat South Africa, Afghanistan will qualify as the group topper and the second position between Australia and South Africa will be decided on NRR. 

South Africa are ahead in NRR at the points and this means for them to not qualify England will have to win with a big margin. 

If Afghanistan vs Australia is washed out

That is where everything gets complicated. If Afghanistan vs Australia gets washed out due to rain, Australia with four points will qualify.

Then if South Africa gets beaten by England, both South Africa and Afghanistan will finish with three points. But, with the NRR advantage the Porteas have, they will likely to qualify from Group B. However, if South Africa win, they will qualify as the group topper with five points. 

Next Article

England vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Inglis and Aussie batters chased down biggest target of ICC ODI events

Josh Inglis's maiden ODI ton and fifties from Alex Carey and Matthew Short helped Australia make the highest successful chase in ICC Men's ODI event's history.

Feb 23, 2025, 12:54 AM5 min read

England vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Inglish and Aussie batters chased down biggest target of ICC ODI events | sportzpoint.com

Australia started their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on a winning note as they chased down the highest successful chase in tournament history. Australia chased down England's 352-run target with 15 balls remaining in the match. Jos Inglish was the star of the show with his maiden ODI ton during the chase. 

Ben Duckett dismantled the Australian bowling lineup with a recurrent breaking 165, the highest score by a better in Champions Trophy history. But, Australia ensured they made the highest successful chase in ICC Men's ODI events. Here's everything you need to know from the England vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match.

Smith decided to bowl keeping the dew in mind

England vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Inglish and Aussie batters chased down biggest target of ICC ODI events | sportzpoint.com
Alex Carey took a stunning catch to dismiss Phil Salt. Image | ICC

Steve Smith won the toss and decided to field first keeping the dew in mind. Ben Dwarshuis dismissed Phil Salt early in the second over. Despite a flying start to the innings, Dwarshuis was able to send back Jamie Smith for 15 in the sixth over as England found them at 43/2 after 5.2 overs.

But, then it was the partnership between Ben Duckett and Joe Root that took them to a record-breaking score. They first accumulated well to get their first fifty from 48 balls while Ben Duckett completed his fifty off 49 balls.

Root and Duckett build a solid partnership for England

England vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Joe Root and Ben Duckett built a 95-run partnership | sportzpoint.com

Joe Root did his part by completing his fifty from 56 balls as they reached the 100-run mark for the third wicket in 94 balls. But, post his fifty, Duckett changed his gear instantly and his skill against the Aussie spinners was a masterclass from the southpaw opener.

But, after Root was trapped in front of the wicket by Adam Zampa, Ben Duckett lost support from the other end and England missed out on maybe 10 or 15 runs at the end.

Duckett's 3rd ODI ton gave England the momentum

Ben Duckett scored the highest score by a batter in Champions Trophy History | sportzpoint.com
Ben Duckett scored the highest score by a batter in Champions Trophy History. Image | ICC/Getty Images

Duckett went on to get his 100 off 95 balls, his 3rd ODI ton. Then he changed to fifth gear alongside captain Jos Buttler. Although Buttler was caught in the deep by Nathan Ellis off Glenn Maxwell, Duckett continued his slog and soon reached 150 off 134 balls.

He was finally dismissed by Marnus Labuschagne on 165 off 143 balls. Archer added a quick 21 from 10 balls to take England's total to 351/8 in the first inning.

Australia got off a flyer but lost wickets early

England vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Inglish and Aussie batters chased down biggest target of ICC ODI events | sportzpoint.com
Mark Wood dismissed Steve Smith with a 150 kmph delivery. Image | ESPN Cricinfo

Just like England, Australia got a quick start but lost two wickets early. Travis Head was dismissed on 6 off 5 by Jofra Archer in the 4th over while Steven Smith was dismissed by Mark Wood for 5 in the next over. But, then, Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Short stitched a 95-run partnership to give others a platform to chase down the total.

With both Labushcagne and Short finding the gaps easily, they reached the 100-run mark in the 15th over and kept themselves in the chase. Meantime, Short reached his fifty in 47 balls but Marnus was outfoxed by Adil Rashid on 47 off 45 balls in the 20th over.

Though it looked a bit tough for the Aussies, who had not won a game in the ICC Champions Trophy in 16 years, they had batters with immense talent in the middle order.

Carey and Inglis steadied the ship

Josh Inglis and Alex Carey put up a solid stand, Australia vs England, Men's Champions Trophy 2025, Lahore, February 22, 2025

Jos Inglis, born in England, always had the game to win games for Australia, but needed to prove that now. Meantime, they had their most in-form batter in Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell to come as well.

Livingstone dismissed Short (63) with a sharp caught and bowled chance in the 23rd over and it was then the partnership between Inglis and Carey that took Australia near to home. For the 5th wicket, they put up 100 runs in just 78 balls while Inglis completed his fifty. Australia reached the 250-run mark in the 38th over and Carey also completed his fifty off 49 balls.

Maxwell and Inglis finished things off

England vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Inglish and Aussie batters chased down biggest target of ICC ODI events | sportzpoint.com
Josh Inglis celebrating his maiden ODI ton. Image | Associated Press

However post Carey's (69) dismissal in the 42nd over, things could have gone either way but Glenn Maxwell made sure he made things easier for them. Inglis eased to his maiden ODI ton while Maxwell started hitting the ball powerplay from the other end.

In the end, it was a comfortable win for the Aussies as Inglis remained unbeaten on 120 from 86 balls while Maxwell was undefeated on 32 from 15 balls. All the English bowlers except for Adil Rashid went more than 6 runs an over and that made it hard for Jos Buttler to control the game.

Buttler accepted that the score was good from but the dew affected more than he had expected. "Both sides played well, credit to Australia. fantastic innings from Inglis. 350 is a pretty good score, but it was wet and the dew was a worry," Buttler said.

"The guys were outstanding. Matt Short played beautifully, Travis and I the only two to miss out," Australian captain Steve Smith said in the post-match presentation. 

Next Article

India vs England, 1st ODI Match Report: All-round India thrash England with an easy win in Nagpur

India thrashed England with an easy 4-wicket victory in Nagpur as Ravindra Jadeja and Harshit Rana took 3 wickets each while Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill scored fifties.

Feb 6, 2025, 3:15 PM6 min read

India vs England, 1st ODI Match Report: All-round India thrash England with an easy win in Nagpur | sportzpoint.com
Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill scored important fifties during the chase. Image | BCCI/X

After a dominating victory in the T20I series, India started the ODI series with an easy win over England in Nagpur. The Men in Blue registered a 4-wicket victory in the India vs England, 1st ODI of the series. 

India were able to bundle the visitors for 248 only in the first inning. Harshit Rana and Ravindra Jadeja were the stars of the show with the ball with three wickets each. The batters chased down the score with 68 balls remaining in the match as Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill scored fifties.

Jasiwal and Rana debuted for India

Though the day did not start that well for India, the home team managed to make a great comeback in the match. First, it was the news of Virat Kohli's absence, who had to sit out due to a sore knee, a rare miss for the modern master. In his absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harshit Rana made their ODI debut.

Then, it was the English openers who gave Rohit and the company many things to worry about.

England batters start well but lose momentum

Phil Salt and Ben Duckett went after the new ball bowlers and Harshit Rana went for 26 runs in the sixth over of the inning. But, the pacer made a great comeback with a two-wicket over. 

Harshit Rana bounced Harry Brook out, India vs England, 1st ODI, Nagpur, February 6, 2025 | sportzpoint.com
Harshit Rana celebrating the wicket of Harry Brook. Image | AFP

However, it was England who gave away the momentum as Shreyas Iyer ran out Phil Salt on 43 from 26 balls. Rana then dismissed Ben Duckett, all thanks to a stunning running catch from Yashasvi Jaiswal. Two balls later, Harry Brook edged the ball to KL Rahul while fending away a bouncer from the Delhi Pacer.

Joe Root (19), who was returning to the ODI team after a long, tried to build a partnership with Jos Buttler but was trapped in front of the wicket by Ravindra Jadeja.

Then it was the 59-run partnership between Buttler and youngster Jacob Bethell that gave England the momentum to finish well. But, after the dismissal of Jos Buttler (52 off 67), England lost their way. Axar Patel was lucky to get the England captain out with a long huff. 

India vs England, 1st ODI Match Report: Jacob Bethell gets down to play a reverse | sportzpoint.com
Jacob Bethell scored a fifty in the first ODI in Nagpur. Image | MB Media/ Getty Images 

Though Bethell scored a beautiful fifty, none from the lower order contributed that much. Bethell (51 off 64) was outfoxed by Jadeja as the youngster went for the big shot and missed the ball completely. Jofra Archer added 21 runs at No. 10 to take England to 248.

Rana (53/3) and Jadeja (26/3) were the stars for India with the ball.

India vs England, 1st ODI Match Report: Ravindra Jadeja picked up his 600th international wicket in Nagpur | sportzpoint.com
Ravindra Jadeja picked up his 600th international wicket in Nagpur. Image | BCCI/X

Rohit fails again with the bat

India vs England, 1st ODI Match Report: Rohit Sharma's poor form with bat continued in Nagpur | sportzpoint.com
Rohit Sharma's poor form with bat continued in Nagpur. Image | Associate Press

During the chase, India did not start that well as debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught behind off an outstanding delivery by Jofra Archer. Jaiswal could only add 15 off 22. 

Indian captain Rohit Sharma's poor form continued as he spooned one in the leg side after scoring only 2 from 7. Saqib Mahmood got England back in the game with Rohit Sharma's wicket.

Iyer showcase class with an attacking inning

India vs England, 1st ODI Match Report: Shreyas Iyer scored a quick 36-ball 59 | sportzpoint.com
 Shreyas Iyer scored a quick 36-ball 59. Image | BCCI/X

But, then it was all about Shreyas Iyer, who once again proved why he is called the best among the youngsters. Iyer came to the crease and took on the English bowlers with two huge sixes against Jofra Archer. He then went after the spin attack and completed his 19th ODI fifty in just 30 balls.

However, Jacob Bethell trapped him in front after that as Iyer (59 off 36) missed a sweep shot. Even the DRS could not save him.

India team management then pulled out a surprising decision to send Axar Patel ahead of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. Patel showed his intent right after coming to the crease and hit boundaries against Jacob Bethell and Liam Livingstone.

On the other hand, Shubman Gill kept on guiding the ball into the gaps and completed his 14th ODI fifty despite getting cramps. As England bowlers decided to change their plan and go short at Axar Patel and Shubman Gill, the runs kept on coming faster for India.

India vs England, 1st ODI Match Report: Axar Patel scored an important fifty with the bat | sportzpoint.com
Axar Patel scored an important fifty batting at number 5. Image | BCCI/X

Patel proved Indian team management right with a solid fifty that helped Gill to manage his inning as well. Axar Patel scored his first ODI fifty in India and third in overall to cause more trouble to England bowlers. Patel (52) got out after his fifty as he tried to slog a leg spinner from Adil Rashid. 

India vs England, 1st ODI Match Report: Shubman Gill got out on 87 in the first inning | sportzpoint.com
Shubman Gill scored his 14th ODI fifty. Image | BCCI

Shubman Gill could not end the match the way he would have liked as he fell 13 short off a well deserved ton. Gill tried to play it over the mid off but only managed to get a edge to Buttler. In the end, Ravindra Jadeja (12) hit the wining run with Hardik Pandya (9) at the other end with 68 balls to go and 4 wickets in hand. 

India go 1-0 up in the three-match series and the next match of the series is in Cuttack on 9th February. 

Match Summary

Next Article

Latest Stories

Subscribe Newsletter

Get the latest sports updates and news delivered directly to your inbox.