Afghanistan take on Australia in virtual quarter-final to seal semis spot. Both teams vying for a place in the semi-finals. The loser of this Group B showdown will likely be eliminated, pending the result of the England-South Africa match in Karachi. A win for either side will all but confirm a spot in the Semi-finals, where they will face either India or New Zealand. The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network at 2:30 pm. The toss will take place at 2.30 pm while the match is scheduled to begin at 3:30pm. It will be the first time Afghanistan have played in the Champions Trophy. Afghanistan beat Australia in the T20 World Cup last year. Australia are yet to make a mark in this edition of the tournament. There is a possibility of rain in Lahore on Friday, which could add another layer of complexity to the qualification scenarios. Australia’s hopes of progressing would be virtually shattered if they concede a defeat against Hashmatullah Shahidi’s side. Afghanistan will be led by Ibrahim Zadran, whose magnificent 177-run knock against England is now the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. Australia will need their young bowlers – Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis – to step up.
