Australia and Afghanistan are set to face-off in their most crucial encounter of the Champions Trophy, scheduled to be played on Friday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The winner of the match will progress to the semi-finals while the loser will be knocked out of the tournament. Australia will be facing huge challenge from Afghanistan, who are pumped up after ending England’s campaign with an eight-run win on Wednesday in Rawalpindi. 

This is the highest stakes ODI battle for Australia after their last match against South Africa in Rawalpindi was abandoned without a ball being bowled. However, Australia will take comfort in their thrilling performance against England in their first match of Champions Trophy, where they pulled off a stunning victory, completing a record run chase on the back of Josh Inglis' heroic 120 off 86 unbeaten.

But, Australia will also be aware of the trouble Afghanistan can create for them after they dominated them during the ODI World Cup 2023 match. If it wasn’t for hobbling Glenn Maxwell’s double-ton, Afghanistan would have clinched that battle. Still, in their recent meeting, Afghanistan outplayed Australia at the last year’s T20I World Cup 2024. 

One thing is certain that this match is not going to be a one-sided contest, with Afghanistan brimming with confidence. And, they would hope that their spinners rise to the occasion and help the side storm into the semi-finals. Australia, on the other hand, will be happy that they are playing in Lahore where they claimed a spectacular five-wicket win over England. 

As things stand, Australia are riding high after their miracle victory against England. And, Afghanistan are also riding a wave of momentum after knocking England out of tournament. Above all, this is a must-win match for both sides in order to advance into the semis. 

Head to head 

Matches - 4

AUS Won - 4

AFG Won - 0

Australia Probable XI: Matt Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

Afghanistan Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi