The Gaddafi Stadium at Lahore is finally hosting the underrated rivalry between Afghanistan and Australia, with Afghanistan winning and deciding to bat first. Both team are walkinh in with making no change in their playing XI. The raw memories of a crushing defeat against Australia rather than the cramped Glenn Maxwell might be clear and fresh to Afghans, and they naturally will be eager for a contemplating win. Keeping aside the past revenge, the clash between the Afghans and Aussies is equally important for all the yet-alive teams in Group B. Unlike Group A, Group B is yet to finalize their semi-final contenders, with just England being eliminated from the tournament. In the last match, against England, Australia won by a margin of 8 runs, major courtesy to Ibrahim Zadran’s massive 177-run knock. Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and the captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, scored in 40s each, putting up 325 runs on board. Despite Joe Root’s brilliant century, the Afghan bowlers did enough to restrict the English within 317 runs. Omarzai took a fifer, and Nabi took 2 wickets. Fazalhaq Farroqi, Rashid Khan, and Gulbadin Naib took one each. Speaking of Australia, their last match in the Champions Trophy at Rawalpindi was washed away, sharing points between each. Pitch reading today: Ian Bishop, reporting pitchside, notes that while there was significant rainfall last night, the weather has improved, and the chances of further rain are decreasing. He highlights the boundary dimensions—73 meters to the leg side and 64 meters to the off side. Matthew Hayden joins him, stating that the surface looks good and should produce a high-scoring contest, making it crucial for bowlers to restrict runs. The Gaddafi Stadium pitch once again favors batters, promising another thrilling encounter. However, with unpredictable weather and rain threats over Lahore, teams might prefer to chase, given the potential impact of a rain-affected game. Steve Smith reveals that Australia would have bowled first regardless, considering the uncertain weather conditions. He emphasizes that the team is well-prepared for this crucial clash against a strong Afghanistan side, especially after their impressive win over England. Calling the game a must-win, he confirms that Australia remains unchanged. Hashmatullah Shahidi, leading Afghanistan, states that they will bat first, as the wicket looks good despite being slow. He hopes for consistent conditions throughout and acknowledges their recent win against England while identifying areas for improvement. Afghanistan also fields an unchanged XI. Read also: Wasim Akram Slams Pakistan as Rain Ends CT 2025 Campaign Playing XI for both teams: Afghanistan playing XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi. Australia playing XI: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith (captain), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, and Spencer Johnson.