![Afghanistan and Australia will play on February 28 [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1740635828968_AUS_AFG.jpg?type=mq)
Afghanistan and Australia will play on February 28 [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]
Afghanistan and Australia are ready to meet each other for their final match of the group stage on February 28 at 2:30 PM IST. The match which will be hosted by the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore will see a vital face-off as both teams will be fighting for their ticket to the semi-finals.
After Afghanistan floored England and knocked them out of the tournament with a scintillating win, the underdogs are now aiming for their maiden ICC event win. With Ibrahim Zadran's show, the Afghanis will be a confident pack to take over Australia whose last match against South Africa was ruined by rain.
Australia otherwise would have had a better shot at the semi-finals if they got a chance to play against the Proteas. Nevertheless, led by Steve Smith, the Men in Yellow will be aiming for a victory as they also boast a strong track record against Afghanistan in ODIs.
AFG vs AUS Predicted Score Today
Predicted first innings score: 260-270
Predicted second innings score: 270-280
Who Will Win Today’s AUS vs AFG Match?
Case 1: If Australia Bats First
Australia's batting unit, led by Matthew Short and Travis Head promises firepower at the top given that they chased a mammoth 352 set by England. Hence, Josh Inglis, the previous match hero's aggressive strokeplay, complemented by Alex Carey can ensure a solid middle-order foundation.
In the last outing, Glenn Maxwell’s quickfire 32 off 15 also highlighted the team's finishing strength. Hence, if Australia is put to bat first at Gaddafi, the Men in Yellow can put on a dominating show with the bat.
Case 2: If Afghanistan Bats First
Afghanistan’s batting lineup, bolstered by Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top, will aim to set a strong foundation against Australia’s pace attack. Zadran, fresh off a record-breaking 177 against England, will be key, while Gurbaz’s aggressive approach can put the opposition under early pressure.
Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah provide stability in the middle order, with all-rounders Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi offering firepower in the latter stages. However, facing Australia’s formidable attack, Afghanistan’s batters must guard against early wickets and capitalize on Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib’s finishing abilities to post a competitive total.
AUS vs AFG Head-to-Head Records In ODIs
| Criterion | Australia | Afghanistan |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 4 | 4 |
| Matches Won | 4 | 0 |
| Matches Lost | 0 | 4 |
| Tied | 0 | 0 |
| No Result | 0 | 0 |
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore - Pitch Report
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is known for being batting-friendly, as evident from the previous matches at this venue. Both the two games hosted here posted over 300 and 350 runs. Hence, a high-scoring contest is likely once again.
While pacers may find some assistance early on with the new ball, conditions will generally favour batters throughout the game. Evidently, the surface becomes better for batting in the second innings, making it a challenging day ahead for the bowlers.
Players To Watch Out In AUS vs AFG
Afghanistan
- Ibrahim Zadran, the Afghan opener is in red-hot form, coming off a record-breaking 177 against England. His ability to anchor the innings and score big runs will be crucial against Australia's potent bowling attack.
- Gulbadin Naib is a versatile all-rounder, and he showed his explosive batting ability with a 62 off 39 balls in the domestic circuit. His experience and adaptability in pressure situations along with his bowling skills make him a key player against Australia.
- Azmatullah Omarzai, a dependable all-rounder, played a vital 41-run knock against England and picked up five wickets in the same game. His dual role as a middle-order stabilizer and wicket-taker will be essential for Afghanistan's chances.
Australia
- Josh Inglis is coming off an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls against England, showcasing his ability to dominate attacks. His aggressive stroke play in the middle overs could be decisive against Afghanistan’s spinners.
- Ben Dwarshuis has been in good form, taking 3/66 against England and 4/39 in a domestic cricket match. His ability to swing the new ball and strike early will be crucial in dismantling Afghanistan’s top order.
- Marnus Labuschagne is a steady presence in the middle order, and Labuschagne’s 47 off 45 against England highlighted his ability to anchor innings. His part-time leg-spin (2/41 vs England) adds depth to Australia’s bowling attack, making him a key all-round contributor.
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