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Video: Check how drop-in pitch gets installed at MCG Ground in Australia

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) uses a drop-in pitch where the boxing day test match will be played between Australia and India from 26th December.

Dec 22, 2024, 4:43 AM2 min read

Video of drop-in pitch getting installed at MCG

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) uses a drop-in pitch for their cricket season where India would face Australia in a boxing day test match in the fourth test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The series is currently drawn at 1-1 after India won in Perth, lost in Adelaide and then Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep's epic 11th wicket partnership helped them draw in Brisbane. With India needing to win the next test matches to stay alive in the contention for a place in the World Test Championship final, this test will be a mouthwatering contest.

In this last three tests at this venue, India have not lost a test match. The men in blue drawn the test match in 2014 and then won by 137 runs in 2018 and continued their winning run in 2020 by winning the match by 8 wickets. 

Read Also | Most Test wickets by Asians in SENA countries

Why do MCG uses drop-in pitches?

Australia uses the big Melbourne Cricket Ground for other sports like Rugby or AFL throughout the year and also hosts concerts as well. Since during these events and sports, the cricket pitches needed to be removed from the ground, they have to use drop-in pitches at this ground. 

Which company helps in installation of drop-in pitches? 

Adelaide Turf International company helps in installation of drop-in pitches at the ground. They use their own technology "StrathAyr specialised technology" to first take the whole square (a square of multiple pitches) from outside the ground and then drop then inside the stadium. Adelaide Turf International were the company who helped ICC use the drop-in pitches in New York during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Which are the other places where drop-in pitches get used? 

  • MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), Melbourne, Australia
  • Optus Stadium, Perth, Australia
  • Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia
  • Spotless Stadium, Sydney, Australia
  • North Sydney Oval, Sydney, Australia
  • ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Australia
  • Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
  • Otago Rugby Football Club, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
  • Lords Ground, Marylebone Cricket Club, UK

Who do they install the pitch?

 

 

Next Article

Most Test Centuries for England

Joe Root scored his 38th Test Century on the third day of the fourth Test between England and India in Manchester. He is now the batsman with the most test centuries for England.

Jul 26, 2025, 11:18 AM4 min read

Most Test Centuries for England

The Nation England has produced some extraordinary Batsmen in Cricket. They have impressed Cricket fans from all over the world with their achievements and glory. The test is considered the Best Format in Cricket. England has & had some players who are the best among many in the world of Test Cricket. Sir Jack Hobbs is considered the Best Test Batsman for England in Tests. He has scored 5410 runs in just 102 innings with 15 centuries and 28 half-centuries.

In recent times of greats, Joe Root has proven himself one of the greatest if not the greatest for England in Test Format as he has every right due to his achievements. Now, Let's give a look at the list of the Top 5 Batsmen with the most test centuries for England.

Read Also: Most International Hundreds among Active Players

Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Test Centuries for England:

1. Joe Root | 38 Centuries

Most Test Centuries for England

England batter Joe Root has written his name in the history books for England in Test Format by bringing up his 38th Test hundred on the third day of the fourth Test between England and India in Manchester. With this century, Root also climbed to second on the all time list of Test run-scorers. Moreover, he also overtook Graham Gooch as the highest run-scorer at Lord's in international cricket. 

Root made his debut in 2012 against team India and since then he has played 157* test matches. He has scored 13,409 runs with an average of 51.17.

2. Alastair Cook | 33 Centuries

Most Test Centuries: Alastair Cook | Sportz Point
Image - ICC

Alastair Cook was one of the greats in Test Cricket of his generation. He made his debut against India in 2006 for the national team in Test Cricket. Cook played 161 Test matches in which he batted 291 innings. He scored 12,472 runs with an average of 45.35. His highest score was 294 and he made 33 centuries and 57 half-centuries for his team. Cook played his last Test Match against India in 2018.

3. Kevin Pietersen | 23 Centuries

Most Test Centuries: Kevin Pietersen | Sportz Point
Image - Cricket Australia

Kevin Pietersen has proved himself across every format for England. He made his Test debut in 2005 against the Australian side at Lords. Pietersen played 104 test matches, in which he scored 8181 runs with an average of 47.29. He played his last test match against Australia in 2014. Kevin Pietersen is third on the list with 23 Centuries.

4. Wally Hammond | 22 Centuries

Walter Hammond | Sportz Point
Image - Cricket Soccer

The judgment of cricket history is that the greatest batsmen the game has known are - WG Grace, Jack Hobbs, Walter Hammond, and Don Bradman. Others may come close indeed to those four but do not quite take place with them. Hammond made his test debut against South Africa in 1927. He played 85 test matches and scored 7249 runs with an average of 58.45. He is 4th on the list with 22 test centuries. The Great Walter Hammond played his last Test match against New Zealand in 1947.

5. Colin Cowdrey | 22 Centuries

Michael Colin Cowdrey | Sportz Point
Image - Alchetron

Colin Cowdrey mostly known as Michael Cowdrey played Cricket for 21 years, One of the most durable batsmen in the history of Test Cricket. Cowdrey made his test debut in 1954 against the Aussies and played 114 matches, scoring 7624 runs with an average of 44.06. He is 5th on the list with the same no as Wally Hammond, 22 centuries. Michael Cowdrey played his last test match in 1975 against the Australian side.

Top 10 Players with the Most Centuries in Test Cricket for England:

Player Span Matches Innings Runs HS Average 100 50
Joe Root 2012-2025 157* 286 13409 262 51.17 38 66
Alastair Cook 2006-2018 161 291 12472 294 45.35 33 57
Kevin Pietersen 2005-2014 104 181 8181 227 47.28 23 35
Walter Hammond 1927-1947 85 140 7249 336* 58.45 22 24
Michael Cowdrey 1954-1975 114 188 7624 182 44.06 22 38
G Boycott 1964-1982 108 193 8114 246* 47.72 22 42
Ian Bell 2004-2015 118 205 7727 235 42.69 22 46
Andrew Strauss 2004-2012 100 178 7037 177 40.91 21 27
KF Barrington 1955-1968 82 131 6806 256 58.67 20 35
GA Gooch 1975-1995 118 215 8900 333 42.58 20 46
Next Article

5 wickets in 15 balls! Mitchell Starc creates record for the fastest five-wicket haul in test cricket

Aussie left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc took five wickets in just 15 balls to create the record for the fastest five-wicket haul in test cricket history. Starc created this record on his 100th test match during the WI vs AUS third test.

Jul 14, 2025, 9:11 PM3 min read

5 wickets in 15 balls! Mitchell Starc creates record for the fastest five-wicket haul in test cricket in his 100th test | sportzpoint.comm
Image | Cricket.com.au

On his 100th test, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc created a record which would be very hard to break in future. During the second innings of the pink-ball test between West Indies and Australia in Kingston, Starc registered his 16th five-wicket haul in test cricket in just 15 balls. 

In doing that, he broke the record for the fastest five-wicket haul (from the start of bowling innings) in test cricket history, breaking Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad and Scott Boland's previous record of 19 balls.

Starc's record-breaking five-wicket haul in 15 balls

Here is how Mitchell Starc broke the record for the fastest five-wicket haul in test cricket history.

1st wicket: 1st ball - John Campbell

Starc's record-breaking five-wicket haul in 15 balls | sportzpoint.com
Starc after removing John Campbell on the first ball. Image | Associated Press

Starc dismissed John Campbell with a beautiful outswinger in the first ball of the second inning. The ball moved a bit, and it was enough to produce an edge to substitute wicket-keeper Josh Inglish.

2nd wicket: 5th ball - Kevlon Anderson

5 wickets in 15 balls! Mitchell Starc creates record in his 100th test | sportzpoint.com

In the fifth ball of the first over, Kevlon Anderson left a delivery from Starc, who was able to make the ball come in sharply. The ball hit the pad, and the umpire was not hesitant to rule him out, as Kevlon Anderson did not offer any shot. Although he took the DRS, only to be proven wrong by the review. 

3rd wicket: 6th ball - Brandon King

5 wickets in 15 balls! Mitchell Starc creates record in his 100th test | sportzpoint.com

It was a typical Mitchell Starc dismissal. Brandon King was bamboozled by a big inswinging delivery from Starc.

King went for a big drive through the long off region, but the ball came back sharply to go through his bat and pad and took an inside edge before hitting the stumps. 

Starc had three wickets in his and Australia's first over. 

Read Also | West Indies vs Australia: West Indies register second lowest test score in an inning by a team

4th wicket: 13th ball - Mikyle Louis

Mitchell Starc becomes the second left-arm pacer to take 400 test wickets | sportzpoint.com
Starc celebrates after taking his 400th test wicket. Image | Associated Press vis ESPN Cricinfo

Although West Indies batters were able to play out Starc's second over, the left-arm pacer struck in the first ball of his third over. 

Another big inswinging delivery at 142.4 kmph, and Mikyle Louis did not have any answer to that. Louis lounged into a big defence, but the ball came back in sharply and went on to hit the front of his back pad, in front of the middle. 

The right-handed batter did not even wait for the umpire's decision and started walking back.

That was Starc's 400th test wicket. He is only the second left-arm pacer ever to take 400 test wickets. Only Wasim Akram is ahead of him at the moment with 419 test wickets.

5th wicket: 15th ball - Shai Hope

Mitchell Starc completed his five-wicket haul in just 15 balls, the fastest in Tests, West Indies vs Australia, 3rd Test, Kingston, Day 3, July 14, 2025
Starc left the field on a standing ovation by the Aussie teammates during the tea break. Image | X

Two balls later, Starc got Shai Hope out with the same formula. 

Hope did not know which way the ball was going and had his weight on the back foot. He was late before the inswinger hit his front pad.

Hope went for the DRS, only to know that the ball was crushing the middle of leg stump. 

After the 15th ball, Starc's bowling figure showed 2.3-2-2-5. 

Fastest five-wicket hauls (from the start of bowling innings) in test cricket

Balls Bowler Opponent Venue Year
15 Mitchell Starc WI Kingston 2025
19 Ernie Toshack IND Brisbane 1947
19 Stuart Broad AUS Nottingham 2015
19 Scott Boland ENG Melbourne 2021
21 Shane Watson SA Cape Town 2011

Next Article

All the Records of Glenn Maxwell in ODI Cricket

Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from ODI cricket. So, let's take a look at all the records of Glenn Maxwell in ODI cricket.

Jun 2, 2025, 11:46 AM3 min read

All the Records of Glenn Maxwell in ODI Cricket

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Monday, ending his 13-year-long ODI career. However, he will continue to play T20I cricket. Maxwell has taken this decision to prioritise the T20 World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka in 2026, the Big Bash League and his other global cricket.

Also Read: Youngest Cricketers to lead India in Tests

Let's take a look at all the records of Glenn Maxwell in ODI cricket.

Maxwell's ODI career

Glenn Maxwell scored 3,990 runs in his ODI career at an average of 33.81, with his highest score being 201 not out. He scored four centuries and 23 half-centuries. In bowling, he took 77 wickets at an average of 47.32, with his best performance being 4/40. Maxwell played 149 ODIs for Australia. 

In the 2023 World Cup, Maxwell made the record for scoring the fastest century in World Cup history by scoring a century in just 40 balls against the Netherlands. Apart from this, he also created a stir in the cricket world by playing an innings of 201 runs against Afghanistan.

All the records of Glenn Maxwell in ODI cricket

  • Highest Individual score in an ODI run-chase: Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 in the 292-run chase against Afghanistan during the World Cup 2023. This is the highest individual score by any batter in a run chase in ODIs. He also became the first ever Australian player to score a double-century in the format. 
  • Fastest ODI century for Australia: Glenn Maxwell smashed a century off just 40 balls against the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi during the World Cup in 2023. This is the fastest century for Australia in their ODI cricket history.
  • Highest career strike-rate: Glenn Maxwell retires from ODIs with a career strike-rate of 126.70, the highest for any player in the world who has played 100 or more ODIs. Among all players, Maxwell finishes with the second highest strike rate with Andre Russell on top, who strikes at 130.22 in 56 ODIs.
  • Most centuries in the World Cup while batting at no.5 or below: Glenn Maxwell scored three centuries in the World Cup during his illustrious ODI career. These are the most for any batter in World Cup history while batting at no.5 or below. 
  • Second fastest double century in ODIs: Glenn Maxwell smashed the second-fastest double century in ODIs. He reached the 200-run mark against Afghanistan in World Cup off just 128 balls with the fastest being from 126 balls by Ishan Kishan against Bangladesh in 2022.
  • Third most sixes in World Cup history: Glenn Maxwell finished his career with 43 sixes in the World Cup, the third most behind Rohit Sharma and Chris Gayle. During the World Cup in 2023, he went past David Warner to become the leading six-hitter for Australia in the format.
  • Second most sixes for Australia in ODIs: Glenn Maxwell finished with 155 sixes in ODIs, second most maximums for Australia in the format, only behind Ricky Ponting who smacked 159 sixes.
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

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