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Azizullah Fazli returns as Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman

On Sunday, Azizullah Fazli was appointed as the new chairman of the Afghanistan Cricket Board after Taliban's takeover of the country. 

Shreya Ghosh
Shreya Ghosh

Aug 23, 2021, 5:18 AM•2 min read

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Azizullah Fazli returns as Afghanistan Cricket Board chairman | SportzPoint.com
Image Credit- ESPNcricinfo.com

On Sunday, the Afghanistan Cricket Board appointed Azizullah Fazli as the new chairman. This is the country's first major cricketing development in the governing body since the Taliban's takeover of the political restrain. 

The chairman has previously served the country as the Afganisthan Cricket board chairman from September 2018 to July 2019. Later Farhan Yusufzai replaced him, after Afghanistan's disastrous finish at the bottom in the 2019 World Cup.

Read also: Rashid Khan's Cry For Help For Afghanistan Becomes India-Pakistan Banter-Zone

ACB shared the re-appointment of the acting chairman through their Twitter handle. The ACB tweeted, "Former ACB Chairman @AzizullahFazli has been re-appointed as ACB's acting chairman. He will oversee ACB's leadership and course of action for the upcoming competitions."

Fazil is related to Afghanistan cricket for close about 2 decades. Also, he was one of those early players who established the sport in the country. Formerly, he was ACB's vice-chairman and adviser as well.

In a conversation with PTI, the ACB CEO Hamid Shinwari revealed that they are expecting the cricket matches to continue similarly like before as the Taliban supports the sport.

Afghanistan's next matches are against Pakistan in Sri Lanka. Now, how will the ACB conduct and handle the logistics for the squad due to the suspension of commercial flights from Kabul airport is a matter of concern.

Afghanistan Cricket Board
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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.

Koushik Biswas
Payal Debnath
Koushik BiswasPayal Debnath

Feb 28, 2025, 4:14 PM•1 min read

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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

Champions TrophyAustralia Cricket TeamCricket AustraliaAfghanistan Cricket Board
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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.

Koushik Biswas
Koushik Biswas

Feb 28, 2025, 4:34 AM•3 min read

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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. 

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Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team

8 teams are participating in the Champions Trophy 2025, which are divided into 2 groups. India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh have been placed in Group A. Whereas Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan have been kept in Group B.

Payal Debnath
Payal Debnath

Feb 12, 2025, 12:17 PM•4 min read

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Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team | Sportz Point

Teams of 7 countries have announced their squads for the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025. ICC had demanded squads from all the teams by January 12 only.

India has recently announced their squad in which Rohit Sharma will command the team and Shubman Gill will do the vice captaincy.

Also Read: ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

Champion Trophy 2025: Groups

A total of 8 teams are participating in the Champions Trophy 2025. The teams are divided into 2 groups.

India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh have been placed in Group A. Whereas Australia, England, South Africa and Afghanistan have been kept in Group B.

Group A

  • India
  • Bangladesh
  • New Zealand
  • Pakistan

Group B

  • Afghanistan
  • England
  • Australia
  • South Africa

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads

Group A

India:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 India squad

Bangladesh:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Bangladesh | sportzpoint.com

Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossai Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana

New Zealand:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - New Zealand | Sportz Point

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Pakistan:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Sportzpoint.com

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Group B

Afghanistan:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran

Reserves:

Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami

England:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - England | Sportz Point

Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

Australia:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Australia | Sportz Point

Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

South Africa:

Champions Trophy 2025: Squads of every team - Sportzpoint.com

Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

Read Also |  ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

Champion Trophy 2025: Schedule 

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy kicks off on February 19, with host Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi.

Date Match Group/Stage Time (Local) Venue
February 19, Wed Pakistan vs New Zealand Group A 2:30 pm National Stadium, Karachi
February 20, Thu India vs Bangladesh Group A 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
February 21, Fri Afghanistan vs South Africa Group B 2:30 pm National Stadium, Karachi
February 22, Sat Australia vs England Group B 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
February 23, Sun India vs Pakistan Group A 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
February 24, Mon Bangladesh vs New Zealand Group A 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
February 25, Tue Australia vs South Africa Group B 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
February 26, Wed Afghanistan vs England Group B 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
February 27, Thu Pakistan vs Bangladesh Group A 2:30 pm Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
February 28, Fri Australia vs Afghanistan Group B 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
March 1, Sat England vs South Africa Group B 2:30 pm National Stadium, Karachi
March 2, Sun India vs New Zealand Group A 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
March 4, Tue Semi-final 1 Knockout 2:30 pm Dubai International Stadium
March 5, Wed Semi-final 2 Knockout 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
March 9, Sun Final Final 2:30 pm Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore/Dubai Int. Stadium

 

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Champions Trophy 2025: ECB reject calls to boycott England vs Afghanistan match

England has cited the laws and restrictions being brought against women by the Taliban government in this country as the reason for not playing the match against Afghanistan in Champions Trophy 2025. They called these decisions against humanity.

Payal Debnath
Payal Debnath

Jan 7, 2025, 10:01 AM•3 min read

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Champions Trophy 2025: ECB reject calls to boycott England vs Afghanistan match - Sportzpoint.com

More than 160 politicians of England had written a letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board to boycott England vs Afghanistan match of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 because of the treatment of women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. However, this has reportedly been rejected by the ECB .

A letter from Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi to ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould said, "We strongly urge the England men's team players and officials to speak out against the horrific treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban. We also urge the ECB to consider a boycott of the upcoming match against Afghanistan… to send a clear signal that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated."

Also Read: ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

In response to the letter calling for a boycott, Gould said, "ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime" while suggesting it favours a uniform approach from all member nations rather than acting alone, according to Sky Sports report."

England protested over Taliban-ruled country

England has cited the laws and restrictions being brought against women by the Taliban government in this country as the reason for not playing the match against Afghanistan. England has called these decisions against humanity and has raised the issue of boycotting the match in protest.

Australia also refused to play with Afghanistan

England is not the first country to refuse to play match against Afghanistan due to the restrictions being imposed by the Taliban against women. Australia has also canceled a series with Afghanistan for the same reason.

Australia had also refused to play any bilateral series with Afghanistan. Now both these teams are also seen playing against each other in ICC tournaments only. They played each other at the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Afghanistan players had also expressed their displeasure towards Australian cricket regarding this.

Pakistan to host the tournament 

This time Pakistan is hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 from 19th February. The tournament has been in discussion for a long time regarding its venue. After BCCI's decision not to send Team India to Pakistan for this event, there was a long dispute regarding its venue.

After a lot of difficulties, the tournament has now been decided in hybrid model. All the matches will be held in Pakistan while India will play all its matches in Dubai. If India reaches the semi-finals or finals then these matches will also be played in Dubai. 

Also Read: India to play their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue

England vs Afghanistan to be held on 26 February

England have been placed in Group B along with Afghanistan, Australia, and South Africa in the Champions Trophy 2025. The clash between England and Afghanistan is to be held on 26 February.

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ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the fixtures for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and UAE.

Staff Reporter
Staff Reporter

Dec 24, 2024, 1:26 PM•5 min read

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ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule announced | sportzpoint.com

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the fixtures for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and UAE.

The 15-match, eight-team event returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017, with defending champions Pakistan hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE which was confirmed as the neutral venue.

Read Also | Every Indian batter who scored a Boxing-Day test ton: Rahane and Rahul and more

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the fixtures for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and UAE.

The 15-match, eight-team event returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017, with defending champions Pakistan hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE which was confirmed as the neutral venue.

The thrilling 19-day competition, in which every match counts in the bid to claim the iconic Champions Trophy white jackets, will see Bangladesh, India, New Zealand and Pakistan form Group A with Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa in Group B.

Read Also | India to play their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy matches at a neutral venue

The stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will host the matches in Pakistan, while Dubai will host the matches in the UAE. Ahead of tickets going on sale, fans are encouraged to register their interest for tickets here.

The Champions Trophy begins with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand on 19 February - the opening day of the event - in Karachi. Other key match-ups include Bangladesh taking on India on the second day of the competition in Dubai and Afghanistan facing South Africa on 21 February in Karachi.

On 22 February, one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries will pit Australia against England in Lahore, ahead of an unmissable Pakistan versus India contest on 23 February in Dubai.

The quickfire event showcases the very best about cricket in one big day out, with the first semi-final scheduled to be played on 4 March in Dubai and the second semi-final slated for 5 March in Lahore. Lahore will host the final on 9 March, however if India qualifies for the final it will be played in Dubai, where the victorious team will claim the famous white jackets. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.

ICC Chair, Jay Shah said: “The ICC is delighted to release the schedule for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, marking the tournament's much-anticipated return since 2017. The thrilling competition, in which eight teams battle it out to claim the iconic white jackets, will provide fans with 15 matches of unmissable entertainment.

“This edition will take place in Pakistan and the UAE, and with Dubai also serving as the home of the ICC headquarters, it represents an opportunity to showcase the best of cricket with heritage and modernity. This Champions Trophy is truly poised to be an unmissable celebration of the World Cricket’s finest.”

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi said: "We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport.

“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket.

“Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organizer. We are dedicated to ensuring that this tournament will be a memorable experience for players, officials, and fans alike.

“Pakistan is elated to welcome the world to the Champions Trophy, and we look forward to extending our renowned hospitality to all."

ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 schedule

19 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi

20 Feb – Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

21 Feb – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi

22 Feb – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

23 Feb – Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

24 Feb - Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

25 Feb – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

26 Feb – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

27 Feb – Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

28 Feb – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

1 Mar – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi

2 Mar – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

4 Mar – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai*

5 Mar – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore**

9 Mar – Final - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore***

All matches start at 14h00 Pakistan Standard Time

* Semi-final 1 will involve India if they qualify

**Semi-final 2 will involve Pakistan if they qualify

*** If India qualify for the final it will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Note: The article was created as a press release by ICC.

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