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Ashes or T20 World Cup, Australia still in confusion

The Australian team is in a critical dilemma. They are confused about if they want to prioritize the upcoming T20 World Cup or The Ashes.

Aug 24, 2021, 12:18 PM5 min read

The Australian cricket team have dominated the world of cricket since the game's introduction. However, in recent times they have fallen out of the folds of champions. Their recent series loss against Bangladesh is one of the most humiliating losses in their history. As the thing stands, Aussies are confused between what to prioritize - The Ashes or T20 World Cup.

The Ashes or the T20 World Cup?

The Ashes trophy | SportzPoint
The Ashes trophy
Image - Dhaka Tribune

The Ashes is one of the oldest rivalries in the game of cricket, featuring England and Australia. It is equally prestigious as a world cup if not more in Australia. However, in recent times with the hefty schedule that the players will face ahead of the Ashes, it has put the Australian cricket board in jeopardy. The players have to face IPL, then the T20 World Cup and then the Ashes. It will be a busy schedule for the players and the Cricket Australia are still not sure about whom to rest and whom to give a chance.

Also Read: Players with most sixes in T20 World Cup

If the Australian t20 team goes deep into the tournament then the players who are on the test side will miss the red ball cricket against Afghanistan due to quarantine issues. Only if they exit the tournament from the Super 12 stage they can compete in time but it comes with attached strings. To clarify, Afghanistan and England would also have to exit the tournament in the Super 12 stage.

"There seems to be a lot of moving parts with that at the moment. We are preparing that, all things being equal, that we'll have a full-strength Test squad to select from. If it happens that we get as deep into the T20 tournament as we'd like to and that looks challenging around quarantines and exemptions that will be required, then we'll deal with that at the time. If that's the case they'll be great opportunities for others."

National selector | George Bailey

Players who could benefit from the situation:

If Australia reaches at least the semi-finals in the upcoming T20 World Cup, many of the first team players will miss the only Red ball cricket they could have got ahead of the Ashes. That is to say, the first team members will miss the test against Afghanistan.

James Pattinson could benefit from the selection pool caused by the confusion between Ashes and T20 World Cup | SportzPoint
James Pattinson
Image - The Roar

Since the majority of Australia's Test bowling attack may not have much bowling before the ashes; It would open the possibility of the Test attack featuring the likes of James Pattinson, Jhye Richardson, and the uncapped Michael Neser. For someone like Richardson or Moises Henriques, missing out on the World Cup could actually improve their chance of making the Test side if they make the most of the Sheffield Shield matches available.

Also Read: Most Wickets in T20 cricket across all competitions

"From a player preparation perspective, and I've spoken particularly to our regular bowling Test group about this, it's not the first time they are planning to go into a Test series without perhaps any red-ball matches under their belt. It's a challenge but something they are aware of.

"They are highly experienced and skilled guys so we think they can do. We are in a world at the moment where we aren't dealing with ideals so if that's the case the players will make do and it certainly won't be an excuse for performance

National selector | George Bailey

The Steve Smith Situation:

The situation of Australian Batting ace Steve Smith ahead of the Ashes and the T20 World Cup | SportzPoint
Australian Batting ace | Steve Smith
Image - Cricket365

Smith, who is expected to return to the IPL with Delhi Capitals, faces the challenge of preparing for the Ashes. Meanwhile, he is continuing his recovery from an elbow injury. Bailey said he was progressing well but will still want to increase his volume over the coming months.

"The latest update from him is that he's facing 100 balls in a session pretty comfortably - that's about a quarter of what he'd like to be facing for a Test match so he's got a bit of building up to go there. We have to place some trust in Steve as someone who knows his body and knows exactly what he needs to be able to get out of himself to perform at the level that's required to play for Australia and the standards he set himself, which are fairly lofty."

National selector | George Bailey

The problems the England players will face going to the Ashes:

IND v ENG 2021: Joe Root and Ben Stokes take learnings from the series  defeat
England Test Team
Image - Circle of Cricket

Australia has put in strict quarantine rules for everyone arriving in the country. The English cricket team will travel to Australia in November for the first Ashes Test at the Gabba. However, they may not be accompanied by their families due to the Covid-19 protocols in Australia. Many cricket pundits have voted in favour of calling off the series. Not everyone is liking the idea that the players have to stay away from the family for four months.

Former players like Michael Vaughan and Kevin Pietersen have raised their voices in favour of the players. Most of the players may find it difficult to stay away from the family for such an extended period. England's players will also be without their families for their tours of Bangladesh and Pakistan, beginning in September, before starting their T20 World Cup campaign in October.

However, the Ashes has a great deal of impact on Australian cricket including the financial factor. As a result, Cricket Australia will face a huge setback if the Ashes is cancelled. The board will try to do the necessary and make sure the Ashes takes place on time.

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Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

Let's take a look at the statistics of the Fav Four in Test cricket.

May 12, 2025, 1:24 PM3 min read

Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

Cricket, a sport loved by millions around the world, has witnessed the rise of several legendary players. In the modern era, four exceptional batsmen have stood out with their consistent brilliance, earning them the title of the “Fab Four players.” Their performances are often compared under the widely discussed Fab four Stats.

These iconic cricketers – Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith have set new benchmarks for batting excellence across formats. 

Virat Kohli recently announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier today (May 12) with a post on his official Instagram handle. He ended his 14-year illustrious career in the format.

In this article, we will take a closer look at their remarkable careers, comparing their updated statistics and achievements to understand what makes them the finest batsmen of the modern era in Test cricket. 

Also Read: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

So, let's take a look at the statistics of the Fav Four in Test cricket.

Fav four in Test cricket | Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith

Test cricket, often considered the ultimate test of a player’s skill and temperament, has seen these four players shine brightly. Here’s how they stack up in the longest format.

Virat Kohli's peak in Test cricket arrived well before the likes of Joe Root and Kane Williamson. Steve Smith matched him toe to toe during that period, but the 12-month ban due to the sandpaper gate overshadowed his brilliance in the format. 

However, when we compare the numbers of Fab four in 2025, Kohli has fallen way behind his contemporaries. Root is at the peak of his powers in Test cricket in the last five years while Williamson has never really been out of form in the whites.

Smith has been on and off over the last couple of years, but his form has never been a concern for Australia in Tests. When it comes to runs, averages and centuries, Kohli ranks last among Fab four and a lot of it has to do with his downfall in the format since November 2019.

Also Read: Sachin vs Kohli: Stats Comparison in Test Cricket

Here is a comparison of Fav four in Test cricket.

Player Mat Inns Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s
Virat Kohli 123 210 9230 254* 46.85 55.57 30 31
Joe Root 152 278 12972 262 50.87 57.47 36 65
Kane Williamson 105 186 9276 251 54.88 51.78 33 37
Steve Smith 116 206 10271 239 56.74 53.56 36 41

Fav four in Test cricket | How Kohli finished in Tests compared to Fab four

It is certain that Virat Kohli, who was once untouchable in the debate of Fab Four, will remain at the bottom forever when compared to his contemporaries. Only if his form hadn't dropped after November 2019, the 36-year-old, today, has stepped down from the format with some unreal numbers.

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Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

In this article, we will examine and compare the statistics of the Fab Four across all formats.

May 10, 2025, 11:33 AM4 min read

Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats | sportzpoint.com

If anyone has followed cricket casually over the last decade, they're likely familiar with four key names: former Indian captain Virat Kohli, batting genius Steve Smith, English great Joe Root, and New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer Kane Williamson.

They together are known as the 'Fab Four' in the modern era of cricket.

Each of them has set new benchmarks for performance, continually pushing one another to enhance their skills. These four batsmen have not only dominated the world of cricket but have also met the expectations of their respective nations.

In this article, we will examine the statistics of the Fab Four across all formats.

Fav Four in cricket: How many runs & centuries have they scored in International Cricket?

Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats | sportzpoint.com

Virat Kohli has been the most prolific all-format batter among the fav-four. Kohli, till now in his 550 international games, has scored 27,599 runs with an outstanding average of 52.27. His record of 82 international centuries is only second to Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries.

Read Also | Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

Joe Root comes in second among them with 20,724 runs so far for England across formats. However, undoubtedly, he has been the best test batter of his generation with 12972 test runs, which sets him as the highest test run scorer for England. Root has also scored 53 international hundreds, of which 36 came in tests only.

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

Kane Williamson, New Zealand's highest runscorer in international cricket, comes at number three in terms of international runs among the fav four. The former Kiwi leader has scored 19,086 runs so far in his career at an average of 48.56. Kane is now only two short of reaching 50 international hundreds. 

Read Also | Most Test runs in 2024: Root, Jaiswal, Duckett and more

Aussie great Steven Smith comes at four with 17,165 runs at an average of 47.81. A late bloomer with the bat, Smith has been outstanding for Australia in tests and ODIs. Along with Root, Smith has also been one of the greatest test batters of this generation.

Here is a comparison of international stats of the fav four. 

Player Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s Ct
Virat Kohli 550 617 89 27,599 254* 52.27 79.18 82 143 336
Joe Root 361 474 51 20,724 262 48.97 66.51 53 111 311
Kane Williamson 371 441 48 19,086 251 48.56 66.12 48 102 209
Steve Smith 353 415 56 17,165 239 47.81 64.26 48 81 331

Read Also: Most Wickets in Test Cricket

Fab Four in Cricket: Stats across different formats

Virat Kohli (IND)

Fab Four in Cricket: Stats across different formats

Format Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s Ct
Tests 123 210 13 9,230 254* 46.85 55.57 30 31 121
ODIs 302 290 45 14,181 183 57.88 93.34 51 74 161
T20Is 125 117 31 4,188 122* 48.69 137.04 1 38 54

Joe Root (ENG)

Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

Format Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s Ct
Tests 152 278 23 12,972 262 50.87 57.47 36 65 207
ODIs 177 166 23 6,859 133* 47.96 87.03 17 41 86
T20Is 32 30 5 893 90* 35.72 126.30 0 5 18

Kane Williamson (NZ)

Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats | sportzpoint.com

Format Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s Ct
Tests 105 186 17 9,276 251 54.88 51.78 33 37 90
ODIs 173 165 18 7,235 148 49.21 81.72 15 47 74
T20Is 93 90 13 2,575 95 33.44 123.08 0 18 45

Steven Smith (AUS)

Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats | sportzpoint.com

Format Mat Inns NO Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s Ct
Tests 116 206 25 10,271 239 56.74 53.56 36 41 200
ODIs 170 154 20 5,800 164 43.28 86.96 12 35 90
T20Is 67 55 11 1,094 90 24.86 125.45 0 5 41

Note: The article was initially written by Abishek Goswami and then got updated by Koushik Biswas

Next Article

IPL records: Most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history

Suryakumar Yadav broke Robin Uthappa's 11-year-old record and became the first player in history to score 11 consecutive 25+ scores. Let's take a look at the IPL records of most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history.

May 2, 2025, 1:07 PM4 min read

IPL records: Most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history

Mumbai Indians star batter Suryakumar Yadav broke Robin Uthappa's 11-year-old record and became the first player in history to score 11 consecutive 25+ scores. Quite remarkably, the Indian T20I captain has crossed the 25-run mark in all 11 matches that the five-time champions have played this year. He achieved this feat on Thursday by scoring 48*(23) against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2025 match.

Let's take a look at the IPL records of most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history.

Also Read: Most wins after 76 games as captain in IPL

IPL records | Most consecutive 25+ scores

5. Virat Kohli | 9 Matches

IPL records: Most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history

Virat Kohli played in every IPL season, scoring 9 consecutive 25+ scores from IPL 2024-25. The RCB veteran has been in fine form from 2024 season. Overall in T20s, Kohli has 100 half-centuries under his belt. He is also the highest run scorer in IPL history with 8447 runs to his name.

Earlier this season, Virat became the first-ever Indian batter to breach the 13,000-run mark in T20s during the encounter against Mumbai Indians. The former India captain became the fifth player overall to reach the landmark, behind Chris Gayle, Alex Hales, Shoaib Malik and Kieron Pollard.

4. Sai Sudharsan | 9 Matches

IPL records: Most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history

Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan played IPL from 2022 till date. He scored 9 consecutive 25+ scores from IPL 2024-25.

Talking about his IPL career, Sudharsan made his debut in the cash-rich league with Gujarat Titans, when the franchise was first introduced in 2022. He just got five matches in that season where amassed 145 runs along with one fifty with a strike rate of 127.19.

However, Sai Sudharsan continued for GT in IPL 2023 where he scored 362 runs in eight matches at an average of 51.71 and a strike rate of 141.41 hitting three fifties. He had his best season in IPL 2024 where he scored 527 runs in 12 matches, at an average of 47.91 and a strike rate of 141.29. He also scored two fifties in that season and went on smash his maiden IPL hundred.

3. Steve Smith | 9 Matches

IPL records: Most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history

Steve Smith played IPL from 2012 to 2021. He scored 9 consecutive 25+ scores from IPL 2016-18.

In a career spanning over a decade, Smith has racked up 2,485 runs from 103 IPL matches at an average of 34.51. His strike-rate in the league falls under 130. His tally includes a ton.

Smith has played for five franchises in the cash-rich league. He last played in the tournament in 2021, where he represented Delhi Capitals. Notably, Smith started his IPL journey with the now-defunct Pune Warriors India in 2012. He led the Rising Pune Supergiants to the IPL final in 2017, where they lost to Mumbai Indians.

2. Robin Uthappa | 10 Matches

IPL records: Most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history

Robin Uthappa played IPL from 2008 to 2022. He scored 10 consecutive 25+ scores in IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders in their title-winning campaign in 2014. Uthappa was also the highest run-scorer of the season.

He amassed 660 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 44.00. Uthappa also notched up five fifties and one century, with a highest score of *83 (not out) in that season. His performances in the IPL always kept him in high demand amongst the different IPL franchises.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Most 400 Plus Runs in an IPL Season

1. Suryakumar Yadav | 11* Matches

IPL records: Most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history

Suryakumar Yadav holds the IPL records of scoring most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history. Surya scored 11 consecutive 25+ scores in IPL 2025 season.

In Match 50 of IPL 2025 against Rajasthan Royals, SKY smashed an unbeaten 48 off 23 balls to keep his purple patch going strong. And in the process, he etched his name at the very top of that list. He has passed 25 in every single game he has played this season. It’s a level of consistency that even legends struggle to maintain in a league this intense.

SKY isn’t just breaking records for fun. He is now also leading the Orange Cap race in IPL 2025 with 467 runs in 11 games at a stunning strike rate of 172.96, including three fifties.

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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

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