Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose to bat first after winning the toss in their must-win Champions Trophy clash against Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
In the high-stakes encounter, both teams will be playing the same eleven they did in their previous games against England.
Earlier in the morning, following heavy overnight rain in Lahore, both Afghanistan and Australia had arrived at the venue, gearing up for their crucial Champions Trophy encounter.
The bowlers of both teams were seen busy in practice while others were focused on in arming up. A hide and seek was observed between clouds and sun with half an hour left for the game to start.
Rashid Khan and teammates warming up before the match against Australia ICC
Early in the day it seemed that match will be rained out but by noon the sun came out and the weather quickly turned out. It a very important game for Afghanistan and if they lose or share a point they will be eliminated.
Australia, sitting comfortably with three points, have a firm grip on their campaign. Afghans fans have started entering the venue with the hope that Afghanistan would also stun Australia which has depleted pace-attack due to absence of Big Three including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
Afghanistan the other day defeated England by just eight runs in a high-voltage game to keep alive in the eight-nation event.
