Australia secured a spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals at Afghanistan's expense after their match in Lahore was abandoned due to heavy rain.
Afghanistan posted a competitive but not overly threatening total of 273 on a batter-friendly surface at the Gaddafi Stadium, thanks to a composed 85 from Sediqullah Atal. His 95-ball knock featured three sixes and six fours, while Azmatullah Omarzai added a quickfire 67 off 63 balls, striking five sixes.
Among Australia's bowlers, Ben Dwarshuis stood out with figures of 3-47, while left-arm seamer Spencer Johnson and leg-spinner Adam Zampa claimed two wickets each.
Aware of the weather forecast and potential adjustments under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, Australia began their chase aggressively. Opener Travis Head had an early stroke of luck when Rashid Khan dropped him off Fazalhaq Farooqi in the fourth over while he was on six. He capitalized immediately, smashing the next delivery for a six.
Head raced to 59 off 40 balls, and with Australia needing 165 runs from 37.1 overs, he and Steve Smith looked in control before a heavy downpour rendered the outfield unplayable.
With this result, Australia now have four points and will top Group B if England defeat South Africa in Karachi on Saturday.
Afghanistan still have a slim mathematical chance of qualifying, but they would need England to register a massive win to surpass South Africa’s net run rate.
If South Africa win or their match is washed out, they will advance as group winners, with Australia progressing as runners-up.
Both semi-finals and the final have reserve days in case of weather disruptions.
