Afghanistan's crucial Group B clash against Australia in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 28 (Friday) was interrupted by rain during the second innings. With Australia cruising in their chase of 274, the downpour at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium forced match officials to temporarily halt play and call the players off the field. Even after the rain subsided following a delay, the ground staff struggled to dry the outfield despite their efforts. Ultimately, match officials were forced to call off the game due to unplayable conditions.
As a result, both teams shared a point each, with the match ending in a no-result and Australia became the third team after New Zealand and India to qualify for the semifinals.
Interestingly, the AUS vs AFG match marked the third instance of rain disrupting proceedings in the tournament. The first occurred on February 25, when the Australia vs South Africa clash at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was washed out without a toss. A similar scenario unfolded on February 27, when hosts Pakistan faced Bangladesh at the same venue.
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After the AUS vs AFG no-result, social media erupted with criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with many mocking the stadium’s ‘poor drainage system’ after a few photos of the venue, that did not paint a pretty picture, went viral on X.
“Such a pathetic drainage system. Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament and their premium ground couldn't handle 30 mins rainfall,” wrote a social media user on X.
Pakistan Slammed After AUS vs AFG Match Washout