Rain Forces Australia-Afghanistan Match Abandonment, Secures Semi-Final Spot for Australia
Australia advanced to the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals after their match against Afghanistan in Lahore was called off due to waterlogged conditions, leaving Afghanistan's qualification hopes slim.
- Heavy rain interrupted play during Australia's chase of a 274-run target, with the team at 109/1 in 12.5 overs, leading to the match being declared a no-result.
- The washout guaranteed Australia's spot in the semi-finals with four points, while Afghanistan's chances now depend on a highly unlikely net run-rate scenario involving South Africa's loss to England by a massive margin.
- Afghanistan posted a competitive 273, led by Sediqullah Atal's 85 and Azmatullah Omarzai's explosive 67, but Australia's strong start was halted by the rain.
- The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore faced criticism for poor drainage and inadequate ground preparations, which prevented play from resuming after the rain stopped.
- Australian captain Steve Smith was praised for withdrawing a controversial run-out appeal against Afghanistan's Noor Ahmad, contrasting with a similar incident involving Jonny Bairstow during the 2023 Ashes.
Hindustan Times 
Australian Broadcasting Corporation 
The Telegraph 
Free Press Journal 
The Sydney Morning Herald 
