21:11

Woman out with boyfriend raped by 7 men in Assam

21:09

Bombay HC reserves order on Rahul's plea against defamation plaint

21:08

Army conducts mega wargame in Pokhran

20:32

Rupee declines 6 paise to settle at 90.95 against US dollar

20:27

Rising pollution in Mumbai contributing significantly to lung cancer: Govt

19:46

India, Israel begin talks for free trade pact

19:40

Over 8% GDP growth expected in Oct-Dec: Report

19:09

Tata Sons board defers decision on N Chandrasekaran's third term

18:46

UP bride dies 2 days after wedding, family alleges dowry killing

17:46

Guj family booked for misconduct at Arunachal resort

17:38

BSE Sensex: Top losers today

17:37

Sensex plunges 1,000 pts

CT 2025 UPDATES: Match called off, Aus through to semis

Fri, 28 February 2025

Refresh

21:34

Match called off, Aus through to semis

Aus 109-1 (12.5 Ovs) vs Afg 273 | Scorecard

The umpires have inspected the outfield and deemed it too damp for play to resume.

With no improvement in conditions, they head to the dressing rooms and shake hands with the captains.

The match has been officially called off, and Australia advances to the semifinals.

Afghanistan's semifinal hopes remain, but just barely.

Their fate now hinges on England, who must hand South Africa a heavy defeat tomorrow to dent their net run rate and push them down to third place.

21:04

Inspection at 9.15 PM IST

Aus 109-1 (12.5 Ovs) vs Afg 273 | Scorecard

The outfield is a sea of water, a formidable obstacle in the path of play.

With the drizzle gone, ground staff launch a frantic cleanup, deploying the super sopper and peeling back covers in a race against the clock.

The umpires have set 9:15 PM IST for a field inspection.

19:40

Aus reach 100 before rain stops play

Aus 109-1 (12.5 Ovs) vs Afg 273 | Scorecard

Nabi continues, and Smith and Head keep the scoreboard ticking with singles. They rotate the strike well, but no boundaries in this over. Just 4 runs come off it, and Australia reach 100-1 after 12 overs.

Noor Ahmad continues, and Smith starts with a solid defensive stroke. A delivery lands on his pads, and they scramble for two leg-byes. He follows up with a flick through square leg for a single. Head, as aggressive as ever, slams a boundary to finish the over.

But wait! The rain has arrived. It has quickly become too heavy, and the umpires take the players off the field. Play is now on hold.

Australia are 109-1 after 12.5 overs.

19:30

England skipper Buttler resigns

Aus 100-1 (12 Ovs) vs Afg 273 | Scorecard

Meanwhile... Jos Buttler has stepped down as England's white-ball captain after a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign.

His final match in charge will be against South Africa, following a run of poor ODI results.

19:27

Head brings up his 34-ball fifty

Aus 96-1 (11 Ovs) vs Afg 273 | Scorecard

Azmatullah continues, and Head sways under a sharp bouncer to start. He responds in style with three consecutive boundaries, punishing Afghanistan for the early dropped catch. He keeps the momentum going, finishing the over with a single. A productive 13-run over, and after 9 overs, Australia are 86-1.

Nabi continues, and theres a moment of excitement! Head mistimes one towards midwicket-theres a shout of 'Catch it!'- but the ball lands safely. He collects two runs and follows it up with a single to long-off. Smith defends solidly on the back foot and pushes one towards covers but finds the fielder. He finishes the over with a single. A tighter over, just 4 runs from it. After 10 overs, Australia are 90-1.

Noor Ahmad is into the attack, with a slip in place. Smith and Head start with a single each before Head finds the gap and smashes a boundary through midwicket-that brings up his fifty off just 34 balls! He plays out the rest of the over cautiously, ending on a dot. After 11 overs, Australia are well-placed at 96-1.

19:16

Australia steady after early wicket

Aus 73-1 (8 Ovs) vs Afg 273 | Scorecard

Farooqi continues and Head is in fine touch! He pulls one powerfully through the leg side for four. A firm drive towards mid-on follows but finds the fielder. He defends the next delivery before effortlessly driving another boundary through the gap. A swing and a miss on the next ball, but he finishes the over with yet another four. 12 runs came off it, and after 6 overs, Australia are 64-1.

Azmatullah continues and keeps things tight. Head and Smith manage just three singles as the Afghan bowlers look to build pressure. After 7 overs, Australia are 67-1.

Change in bowling-Nabi introduces spin. Smith and Head handle it well, rotating the strike effectively. They keep the scoreboard ticking with six singles in the over.

After 8 overs, Australia are 73-1, needing 201 more from 42 overs.

19:02

Azmatullah dismisses Short for 20

Aus 52-1 (5 Ovs) vs Afg 273 | Scorecard

Azmatullah to Short, Dropped again! Kharoti, the substitute fielder, spills a low catch-another chance goes begging for Afghanistan. Will this prove costly?

Short looks to make the most of it, but this time it's taken! Gulbadin Naib makes no mistake at mid-on. Short departs for 20 off 15 balls.

Head nudges one towards square leg for a single.

Smith is the new batter, he is off the mark with a boundary. And another! Plays the next towards leg side for no runs. After 5 overs Australia are 52-1.

18:57

Rashid spills Head's catch

Aus 42-0 (4 Ovs) vs Afg 273 | Scorecard

Azmatullah to Short, he welcomes Azmatullah with a crisp boundary! He defends the next before a thick edge-but it falls just short of the fielder. No harm done. Six! Short launches it over the ropes in style. He blocks the next delivery before finishing the over with another boundary! A big over for Australia.

14 runs off the over. After 3 overs, Australia are 32/0.

Farooqi to Head, Dropped! Rashid Khan had it but spills the catch-how costly will this be? Head wastes no time and celebrates his lifeline with a massive six! He drives to mid-off, no run. Defends two more before smashing a boundary to end the over.

10 runs off the over. After 4 overs, Australia are 42-0.

18:52

Australia off to a flying start

Aus 18-0 (2 Ovs) vs Afg 273 | Scorecard

Matt Short and Travis Head walk out to open the innings for Australia. Fazalhaq Farooqi takes the new ball from one end, while Omarzai will open the attack.

Omarzai to Short. Short starts cautiously, defending the first four deliveries. He finally finds the gap and slams a boundary! The over ends with a dot ball. Australia are 4-0 after 1 over.

Farooqi to Head. Huge inswinger! Head is beaten, and there's a massive appeal for LBW- but no review taken. Edge! The keeper fails to collect, and the ball runs away for four. Farooqi strays down leg side called. Head flicks it for a couple and follows up with a crisp boundary! 14 runs from the over.

After 2 overs, Australia are 18-0, needing 256 more from 48 overs.

18:06

Afg set 274-run target for Aus

Afg 273 all out (50 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Ellis comes in for his final over. Noor works it towards midwicket for a single. Azmatullah then launches a massive six into the crowd! He swings and misses the next delivery. A perfect yorker follows, and Azmatullah has no answer for it. But he makes up for it by slamming another six! He finishes the over with a single. 14 runs came off it. After 49 overs, Afghanistan are 268-8.

Dwarshuis to bowl the final over. Azmatullah refuses a single on the first ball. Slams the next delivery for four! Plays one towards fine leg but once again declines the single. Short ball-Azmatullah goes for it, but Carey takes a stunning catch at deep cover! Azmatullah departs after a well-made 67 off 63 balls.

Farooqi is the new batter. He takes off for a run-leg bye called. Noor swings and misses the next delivery. Big appeal from Inglis for caught behind! The batters attempt a quick bye, but the umpire raises his finger. Given out!

Afghanistan are all out for 273.

17:53

Azmatullah brings up his fifty

Afg 254-8 (48 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Ellis continues. Noor plays it towards the leg side for a single. Azmatullah follows up with a huge six straight over the bowlers head! He then rotates the strike with two singles. Azmatullah defends the next two deliveries before taking a single off the last ball. 10 runs off the over. After 47 overs, Afghanistan are 248-8.

Dwarshuis continues. Wide ball, going down the leg. Azmatullah defends the next one before taking a single. Noor also defends but then gets off strike with a single. Azmatullah punches a single to bring up his eighth half-century off 54 deliveries! Two more singles to end the over.

6 runs off it. After 48 overs, Afghanistan are 254-8.

17:42

Rashid departs, Afghanistan 8 down

Afg 238-8 (46 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Ellis continues. Azmatullah defends the first two deliveries before picking up a couple of runs. Rashid finishes the over in style with a boundary! 7 runs off the over. After 45 overs, Afghanistan are 230-7.

Dwarshuis continues. Azmatullah picks up a single. Rashid follows up with a boundary but skies the next one! This time, he mistimes it, and Maxwell takes an easy catch. Rashid departs for 19 off 17 balls.

Noor Ahmad is the new batter and gets off the mark with a single. Two more singles come off the over. After 46 overs, Afghanistan are 238-8.

17:34

Azmatullah, Rashid rally Afghanistan

Afg 223-7 (44 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Rashid Khan is the new batter. Azmatullah pushes to cover but finds the fielder. He tries again, but no runs. A push toward midwicket brings up 200 runs for Afghanistan! Rashid mistimes his shot and gets no runs but gets off the mark with a single. Azmatullah sends the last ball back to the bowler. Just 2 runs off the over. After 41 overs, Afghanistan are 201-7.

Ellis continues. Rashid and Azmatullah rotate the strike well, picking up singles at regular intervals. 4 runs off the over. After 42 overs, Afghanistan are 205-7.

Zampa returns to the attack. Azmatullah welcomes him with a six! He follows up with a single. Rashid finds a couple of runs and then two more! A single to end the over. A productive over-12 runs off it. After 43 overs, Afghanistan are 217-7.

Ben Dwarshuis is back into the attack. Rashid plays it down the ground for a single. Azmatullah picks up a couple of runs-great running! He follows it up with another single. Rashid plays toward the leg side and adds two more. He defends the last two deliveries. 6 runs off the over. After 44 overs, Afghanistan are 223-7.

17:18

Afghanistan's collapse continues

Afg 199-7 (40 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Ellis is back. Azmatullah defends two, then nudges to square leg for a single. Gulbadin defends, then taps toward square leg-another single. Azmatullah finishes the over with a couple.

4 runs off the over. After 38 overs, Afghanistan are 190-6.

Johnson continues. Bouncer! It races away for four. Gulbadin drives toward short leg-single. Azmatullah swings and misses, then finds the fielder at cover. Gulbadin ends the over with a single.

7 off the over. After 39 overs, Afghanistan are 197-6.

Ellis continues. Gulbadin defends the first two. In the air! Short dives-puts it down! Gulbadin gets a single. Azmatullah follows with a single down the ground.

WICKET! Gulbadin skies it-straight to Inglis, who makes no mistake! Gulbadin departs for 4 off 12 balls.

2 runs and a wicket in the over. After 40 overs, Afghanistan are 199-7.

17:02

Afghanistan's collapse continues

Afg 186-6 (37 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Johnson continues. Azmatullah defends the first ball, then cuts to deep cover for a couple. Plays towards cover-no run. Jabs it towards point for a single.

WICKET! Miscommunication! Nabi charges down the pitch, but Johnson reacts quickly, gets to the stumps-Nabi is short! He departs for 1 off 1 ball.

Gulbadin Naib walks in as Afghanistan's innings stutters. First ball-four runs! But it's off the pads-leg byes called.

After 37 overs, Afghanistan are 186-6.

16:57

Zampa strikes, Afghanistan 5 down

Afg 178-5 (36 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Short continues his excellent spell. Hashmatullah defends the first ball, then takes a single. Big appeal for stumping! Umpire not interested. Azmatullah solid in defense for the last three balls. Just one run from the over. Afghanistan 162-4 after 33 overs.

Johnson continues. Tight lines from the pacer, conceding just four singles. Afghanistan 166-4 after 34 overs.

Short continues. Azmatullah and Hashmatullah rotate strike with a single each. Azmatullah frees his arms-SIX! Ends the over with another single. Nine runs from the over-Afghanistan 175-4 after 35 overs.

Zampa returns. Azmatullah starts with two solid defenses. Works it through covers for a single.

WICKET! Hashmatullah gets a top edge-simple catch for Labuschagne at backward square! He departs for 20 off 49 balls. Drinks are called.

Afghanistan 176-5 after 36 overs.

16:38

Spencer removes Atal, Afg 4 down

Afg 162-4 (32 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Short continues. Keeps it tight again, conceding just three singles. Afghanistan 159-3 after 31 overs.

Spencer Johnson returns. Atal defends the first ball. WICKET! Atal goes for the drive, but Smith takes a stunning catch at cover! Atal departs for 85 off 95 balls.

Azmatullah is the new batter. He defends two deliveries before getting off the mark with a single.

Big breakthrough-1 wicket and 2 runs from the over. Afghanistan 162-4 after 32 overs.

16:35

150 comes up for Afghanistan

Afg156-3 (30 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Short continues. Keeps things tight, conceding just three singles. Afghanistan 129-3 after 26 overs.

Ellis back into the attack. Atal drives to cover-no run. Both batters rotate strike with a single each. Just two runs from the over. Afghanistan 131-3 after 27 overs.

Zampa returns. Atal greets him with a SIX! Follows up with a firm block back to the bowler. The batters exchange a single each. Atal defends the last two. Eight runs from the over-Afghanistan 139-3 after 28 overs.

Ellis continues. Hashmatullah solid in defense for the first two balls, then guides one to point for a single. Atal finds the gap-FOUR! Big LBW appeal! Umpire shakes his head. No review from Australia. Single to end the over. Afghanistan 145-3 after 29 overs.

Zampa continues. Atal takes him on again-HUGE SIX! Follows up with a single. Hashmatullah gets a single too. Run-out chance! Short's throw goes to the wrong end-Hashmatullah survives! He finishes the over with a couple of runs.

11 runs from it-Afghanistan 156-3 after 30 overs.

16:31

Atal brings up his fifty

Afg126-3 (25 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Maxwell continues. Atal welcomes him with a SIX! That brings up his fifty off 64 balls. He follows it up with a single towards covers.

Hashmatullah joins in-FOUR! Smashes a boundary before defending the rest of the over. 11 runs from it-Afghanistan 113-3 after 23 overs.

Short continues. Keeps it tight, conceding just three singles. Afghanistan 116-3 after 24 overs.

Dwarshuis returns to the attack. Atal swings and misses. Drives towards fine leg for two runs. Good rotation of strike-another couple. Atal breaks loose-FOUR! Ends the over with two more runs.

Big over-10 runs from it! Afghanistan 126-3 after 25 overs.

16:03

100 comes up for Afghanistan

Afg102-3 (22 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Matt Short into the attack. Atal flicks to midwicket- no run. Drives the next to long off for a single. Hashmatullah sends it straight back to the bowler and defends the rest. Just one run from the over-Afghanistan 94-3 after 20 overs.

Maxwell continues. Atal works it to midwicket for a single. Short ball down leg-wide called! Afghanistan pick up three extras. Hashmatullah solid in defense for the rest of the over. Four runs from it-Afghanistan 98/3 after 21 overs. Short continues. Atal defends two before attempting a risky single-miscommunication!

Could have been a run-out, but he survives. Another wide down leg. Hashmatullah defends two before ending the over with a single. Leg bye added.

Four runs off the over-Afghanistan 102-3 after 22 overs.

16:01

Maxwell strikes, Afg 3 down

Afg 93-3 (19 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Zampa continues. Atal and Rahmat keep the scoreboard ticking with smart rotation of strike. Atal breaks free-slams a boundary! Defends the last two deliveries. Afghanistan 87-2 after 18 overs.

Maxwell back into the attack. Rahmat goes big-FOUR! But the joy is short-lived-EDGE AND GONE! Inglis takes a sharp catch, and Rahmat departs for 12 off 21 balls.

New batter: Hashmatullah Shahidi. Gets off the mark with a single. Atal drives down the ground for another single. Hashmatullah defends the last two balls.

One wicket and six runs off the over-Afghanistan 93-3 after 19 overs.

15:53

Zampa dismisses Zadran, Afg 2 down

Afg 80-2 (17 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Maxwell tightens the grip-MAIDEN OVER! Just one run in the last 15 deliveries! Afghanistan struggling to find momentum.

Zampa continues. Atal drives down the ground- Spencer gives chase, and they run two. A solid defense follows. Atal works it through midwicket for a single. Rahmat blocks two before nudging a single to end the over. Four runs from it-Afghanistan 75-2 after 16 overs.

Maxwell continues. Rahmat defends towards mid-on before guiding one to deep point for a single. Atal pushes to long off for an easy single. Rahmat remains cautious, then drives through mid-off-three runs!

Drinks break! Afghanistan at 80-2 after 17 overs.

15:49

Zampa dismisses Zadran, Afg 2 down

Afg 71-2 (14 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Spencer Johnson continues outside the Powerplay. Atal slams it for four! Follows up with a single. Zadran pushes to long off-two runs. A firm drive to mid-off, but no run. Two more singles to finish the over. Nine off it-Afghanistan 63-1 after 11 overs.

Ellis keeps things tight. Atal guides it to third man for a single. Zadran works it for two more. A tidy over-five runs from it-Afghanistan 68-1 after 12 overs.

Glenn Maxwell into the attack! Keeps it tight, conceding just two runs. Afghanistan 70-1 after 13 overs.

Bowling change-Adam Zampa introduced! Zadran starts cautiously, defending two.

WICKET! Zadran overreaches for the shot, and Marnus takes a sharp catch at backward point! Zadran falls for 22 off 28 balls.

Rahmat Shah is the new batter. He blocks two before getting off the mark with a single. Just one run and a wicket-Afghanistan 71-2 after 14 overs.

15:22

50 comes up for Afghanistan

Afg 54-1 (10 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Dwarshuis continues. Atal guides it to third man for a single. Zadran pulls confidently-four runs! Jabs towards point, but no run. Pushes to third man for another single. Atal finds a couple before ending the over with a dot. Eight off it-Afghanistan 41-1 after 8 overs.

Johnson steams in again. Zadran times it well for a single. Another one strays down leg-wide signaled. Atal swings and misses. Johnson goes full on leg, and Atal punishes it-four runs! He defends the next two before picking up a single to end the over. Seven from it-Afghanistan 48-1 after 9 overs.

Bowling change! Nathan Ellis replaces Johnson. Starts with a wayward one-wide called. Atal pushes to mid-on for a single, bringing up Afghanistans team fifty!

Zadran swings but misses. Boundary! Zadran connects this time, sending it racing away. A solid block follows before he defends the rest of the over. Six runs from it-Afghanistan 54-1 after 10 overs.

15:06

Zadran, Atal fight for runs

Afg 33-1 (7 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Johnson continues. Zadran picks up a single to rotate the strike. Atal stands firm, defending three in a row. A short ball-Atal drives it down the ground for a single. Zadran nudges one for an easy run. Just three off the over-Afghanistan at 23-1 after 5 overs.

Dwarshuis back into the attack. Zadran pushes towards Marnus for a quick single. Atal plays it safe, defending the rest of the over. Afghanistan move to 24-1 after 6 overs.

Johnson steams in again. Zadran defends solidly on the back foot before pushing one towards mid-on for a single. A wayward delivery down leg-wide signaled. Atal finds the gap! Drives through covers for four.

Short ball-Inglis gathers cleanly. Atal jabs through the off-side-Carey gives chase, and they run three. Zadran blocks the final delivery. Nine runs from it-Afghanistan at 33-1 after 7 overs.

14:49

Afghanistan lose Gurbaz early

Afg 18-1 (3 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Dwarshuis comes in from the other end. Atal plays cautiously, defending the first few deliveries. Maxwell adjusts his position, moving further to gully. Atal finally finds a couple of runs to end the over. Just two runs from it- Afghanistan at 6-1 after 2 overs.

Ibrahim Zadran takes strike for the first time. Johnson steams in-bouncer! Zadran ducks under it. Gets off the mark with a single. A wayward delivery down legwide called. Big swing and a miss! The ball hoops past the inside edge and Inglis dive-four leg byes! Another one down leg-wide signaled-this one races to the boundary.

Atal swings and misses but finds a single to extra cover. A dot to finish the over. 12 runs from it-Afghanistan move to 18-1 after 3 overs.

14:44

Gurbaz out for a duck

Afg 4-1 (1 Ovs) vs Aus | Scorecard

Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran take their positions at the crease, with Gurbaz on strike. Spencer Johnson charges in to open the attack.

First runs on the board! Gurbaz clips it away for a couple. A wayward delivery down the leg side- wide signaled. Solid defense on the next ball.

BOWLED! Johnson strikes early! Gurbaz is beaten and the stumps are rattled!

Sediqullah Atal comes in at No 3, he is off the mark with a single.

14:05

Afghanistan win toss, opt to bat vs Aus

Afghanistan have won the toss and chosen to bat first against Australia in their crucial Champions Trophy clash in Lahore.

13:52

Aus vs Afg: High-stakes clash in Lahore

Australia's storied history in global cricket counts for little as they face a surging Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy clash on Friday in Lahore.

Fresh off a stunning win over England, Afghanistan eyes a second straight semi-final berth, while victory will seal Australia's spot and eliminate their opponents.

Australia's batting firepower-Head, Smith, Labuschagne, and Maxwell- must compensate for the absence of star pacers Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood. Their replacements- Dwarshuis, Johnson, Ellis, and Zampa- face a stern test after struggling against England.

Afghanistan, led by Ibrahim Zadran (record 177 vs England), boasts a formidable bowling attack featuring Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Nabi, and Noor Ahmad. Having beaten Australia in last year's T20 World Cup, they won't be taken lightly.

Expect a fierce contest in Lahore.

CT 2025 UPDATES: Match called off, Aus through to semis

TOP STORIES