AFG vs AUS Champions Trophy match highlights: Australia qualify for semis after rain washes out Lahore game

Right then, we finally have one confirmed team from Group B in the semifinals and now, just one spot remains, which will be ascertained in the very next game. South Africa face-off against England at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday, March 1. A win for the Proteas and they will top their group, but a loss and they might still make it to the top 4, which then would be the same top 4 that we saw in the ODI World Cup in late 2023. Jos Buttler, though, would want to sign off on a high as England's white-ball skipper, and it should be an interesting game with no rain forecasted in Karachi for now. That game will begin at 9 am GMT, but you can join us a lot sooner for the build-up. Till then, take care and goodbye!

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of Afghanistan, says that it is unfortunate that they couldn't get a result and adds that it was a good game. Mentions that they should have got over 300 runs but lauds the opposition for bowling well in the middle phase. Says that even 270 was a defendable total, but the bowlers didn't hit their strides early on. On Sediqullah Atal, he says that in the first two games, he didn't play as expected but came back well and did well under pressure and hopes he carries on. On Azmatullah Omarzai, he says that Azmat is a top player and that is why he is the Men's ODI CRicketer of the Year and performances well under pressure and hopefully, he can also carry on in the same manner. On his own batting form, he says that it was a bad day for him and will speak with the coach with where things went wrong and will learn from today and ends up saying that, you never know, you still have hope.

Steve Smith, the skipper of Australia, says that it has been a good result as they started the tournament and they have finished in the top two to go into the semi-final, which is pretty satisfying for them. Adds that the bowlers did a really good job as they kept it simple and just tried to take wickets. Restricting them around 270 was top-notch. Talks about the extras as Spencer Johnson was bowling a bit wayward but overall, they bowled really well, created many opportunities, and hit the pads on numerous occasions. That was a good performance by the whole group, but it is a shame that the game has ended as whitewashed. Talks about the preparations for the semi-final, as they will look at that and make game plans as per the team they will be up against. Says about Travis Head’s batting that he is a class player and when he starts going, he becomes so tough to bowl to. Concludes that they have guys in the group who can do well and can come up and rise on the occasion when the team wants from them.

Next up, a chat with the two skippers...

Let's recap the match now, it all started with Hashmatullah Shahidi winning the toss and sticking to his team's strength by opting to bat first. Afghanistan looked shaky at the start again, but Sediqullah Atal put his hands up and played a counter-attacking knock after starting off in a sluggish manner. It was a tussle in the middle orders but the Aussie spinners did well to pick up wickets at regular intervals before Spencer Johnson came back on and got his side a big breakthrough. Atal missed on a ton, but Azmatullah Omarzai yet again showed his prowess in this format by scoring a quickfire half-century and took his side over the 270-mark. In reply, Australia got off to a flying start but Afghanistan did create a couple of catching opportunities, which were put down before Travis Head got into rhythm and knocked a big chunk off the target in a flash. However, the rain came in before Afghanistan could even give Rashid Khan a go, and it was pretty heavy. Unfortunately, even after stopping, the ground just couldn't be readied in time to get at least 20 overs in the chase and constitute a full game.

UPDATE - 3.51 pm GMT - The visuals are telling! The two umpires head up to the dressing rooms and shake hands with a captain each and as we feared, the MATCH HAS BEEN CALLED OFF! A disappointing way for Afghanistan to bow out, given so much was on line but Australia have now confirmed their place in the semifinals. Afghanistan are not 100 percent out yet but given the margin of defeat the Proteas need to suffer at the hands of England, more or less has sealed their fate.

UPDATE - 3.45 pm GMT - On cue, the umpires make their way out to the middle. A lot of the areas on the outfield have been dried up but there are certainly some areas still of concern. The umpires are walking and pressing their feet, trying to gauge whether the ground is too soft or fit enough for the players. It seems like there will be another inspection and there's about an hour and a half left before no play would be possible. The umpires seem to be in conversation with the curator as well. We might get a substantial update soon.

UPDATE - 3.12 pm GMT - Right then, the mop-up work has sped up as they know they need to move along if there's any chance of play happening. Also, there is an official inspection scheduled for 3.45 pm GMT, about half an hour away from now, so, we should get a clearer picture soon. Stick around.

UPDATE - 3 pm GMT - The two umpires are now out in the middle and are having a huge conversation about the state of the outfield. The ground staff are ticking along, trying their best but the drainage doesn't seem the best as it generally doesn't rain like this in Lahore off-season. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that the ground gets safe enough for the players to play.

UPDATE - 2.38 pm GMT - Some positive visuals coming in from the Gaddafi Stadium and the rain has stopped! However, looking at the condition of the outfield, there are multiple puddles on the outfield and a big mop-up job is there to be done and it will certainly take a fair chunk of time. But, at least for now, we have positive news. Stick around for more updates regarding the state of play. Also, as per a few sources, the cut-off time for the chase to restart and constitute a 20-over game is 5.11 pm GMT.

UPDATE - 2.28 pm GMT - Not much to report from the ground right now but let's talk about some scenarios. A washout will definitely benefit Australia and assure them a place in the semifinals but it will also keep Afghanistan in the hunt, just about though as even if South Africa lose against England, their net run-rate is so superior that the Afghans might not go through. Neither team will want a washout here and there's still over half an hour left before we start losing overs but water has started to form a layer at certain areas on the outfield. Let's hope for the best, stay tuned for more updates.

UPDATE - 2.10 pm GMT - It is now a proper downpour in Lahore and the fans are diving for cover and there isn't much overhead covering in the stands. A bit unexpected this rain late in the evening as chances were more of rain at the beginning of the game. But thankfully, there is a gusty wind as well, which might help blow away the rain sooner. Stay tuned for further updates. Also, it seems like in the Jos Buttler news early on, he will captain the side for one last time against South Africa before stepping down, as confirmed by the ECB.

UPDATE - 2.02 pm GMT - Oh, no! It has started to drizzle in Lahore and the umpires have called out the covers. The players are going off the field, and we will have to see how much time it will take to clear out here in Lahore, as it was expected that the rain would interrupt the game. The rain has intensified now as we write this update, but there's a long way to go before we start worrying about the game. Also, just to let everyone know, as per the rules for this Champions Trophy, in the knockout matches, the team batting second will have the opportunity to play at least 25 overs - as opposed to 20 in the group stage - for the result to be decided via the DLS method.

12.5: Noor Ahmad to Travis Head, FOUR! Nicely done! Fractionally short but well wide outside off, Travis Head hangs back, creates room and cuts it late and wide of backward point for a boundary.

12.4: Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Just a smidge fuller on leg, Smith leans on and clips it across in front of square leg for one.

12.3: Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Dragged length on off, sitting up as well, Smith goes back and across and punches it sweetly behind deep point for a couple of runs more.

12.2: Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Bowled quicker and fuller around leg, Steve Smith sits down to sweep but misses. The ball thuds away off the pads and down to fine leg for a couple of leg byes.

12.1: Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Nagging length on fourth stump, Smith gets across and covers the line of the ball before blocking it off.

11.6: Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Length ball outside off, sits up a bit, Travis Head backs away and firms it down to the right of Rashid Khan at long off and comes back for the second run. 100 up for Australia in just 12 overs!

11.5: Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, On a shortish length and around the fifth stump line, eased away square through the point region for a single by Smith.

11.4: Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Quicker through the air and darted in at the legs, Smith tentatively keeps it out.

11.3: Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, This is angled in at the pads, Travis Head goes on the back foot and flicks it through backward square leg for a single.

11.2: Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, On the shorter side and around off, punched away from the crease and straight to covers.

11.1: Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Good stop! On a length, sliding it onto middle, Head rocks back and punches it wide of covers where Hashmatullah Shahidi makes a diving stop.

10.6: Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Nagging length, angled well across off and keeping a bit low, Smith backs away to cut but is beaten.

10.5: Noor Ahmad to Travis Head, Quick and flat, sliding on from around off, punched away from thecrease through extra cover for one.

10.4: Noor Ahmad to Travis Head, FIFTY up for Travis Head in just 34 balls and it is a 17th ODI half-century for him. Fractionally short, angling into middle and leg, whipped away off the back foot and wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Ominous signs these for Afghanistan as Head has a history of taking the game away from the opposition quickly.

10.3: Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Slows it up but keeps it short and well outside off, Steve Smith reachs for it and hits it in front of square through covers for another single.

10.2: Noor Ahmad to Travis Head, Another one that is just dragged down a bit and on the pads, Head rocks back and flicks it down to fine leg for one more.

10.1: Noor Ahmad to Steve Smith, Begins with a bit of a short and wide one, Smith backs away and cuts it down to deep backward point for one.

Powerplay 2! Afghanistan will be a bit relieved that that field can now spread and as many as 4 fielders are now allowed outside the inner ring till the 40th over. Also, Noor Ahmad comes into the attack.

9.6: Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Floated up, around off, Smith comes forward and nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

9.5: Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Nagging length, outside off, Smith pushes it back to the bowler off the back foot.

9.4: Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Keeps it shorter, touch outside off, Smith punches it off the back foot but straight to cover. 

9.3: Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Drags his length, around middle, Smith drops it down to mid-wicket.

9.2: Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Floated up, around middle, Head comes forward and pushes it to long off for a single.

9.1: Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, In the air... but falls safe! Tossed up, around middle, Travis Head comes down the track and looks to loft it towards mid-wicket but he doesn't reach to the pitch of the ball and mistimes it in the air towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 

THIS JUST IN! Big news coming in from the English camp is that Jos Buttler has just resigned as skipper of the ODI squad. It will be interesting to see who leads England in their last group game against South Africa. A couple of tough ICC campaigns for Buttler, facing disappointment in the 2023 ODI World Cup and now in the Champions Trophy as well.

8.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, Leg bye! Similar length, around middle, Head looks to flick it but misses and gets hit on the front pad. He runs off for a quick single as the ball rolls away towards short fine leg.

8.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, On a good length, around middle, Head pushes it to mid off.

8.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, FOUR! THREE IN A ROW! Now, Omarzai goes for a short-of-a-length ball, around middle, Travis Head stays on the back foot and flicks it away to fine leg for another boundary. 

8.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, FOUR! EDGED AND BOUNDARY! On a good length, and well outside off, Travis Head stands tall and swings at it but gets a thick outside edge that flies to the right of the keeper for another boundary. 

8.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, FOUR! UP AND OVER! Omarzai rolls his fingers, on a length and outside off, Travis Head premediates to go for a big shot and he gets deceived by the lack of pace but he still goes for that lofted shot and gets it well over wide mid on for a boundary. 

8.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, A sharp bouncer, angling into the body, around middle, Travis Head ducks under it. 

7.6: Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Slider, around middle, Smith loks to flick it but gets a leading edge back to the bowler. 

7.5: Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Similar length, around leg, Head turns it wide of square leg for a single.

7.4: Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Drags his length, around off, Smith knocks it down to long on for a single.

7.3: Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Leg bye! Flatter, full down the leg side, follows the batter, Travis Head makes room and looks to flick it but misses and gets hit on the front pad. The ball goes in the air and wide of the first slip fielder where Gulbadin Naib can't collect it and the batters run for a leg bye. 

7.2: Mohammad Nabi to Travis Head, Nagging length, around leg, Travis Head makes room and just pushes it down the ground for a couple of runs. Rashid Khan runs across from long off and keeps it down to two.

7.1: Mohammad Nabi to Steve Smith, Tossed up, around middle, Steve Smith comes forward and works it away to deep square leg for a single.

Bowling change? Yes, Mohammad Nabi comes on to bowl inside the first Powerplay.

6.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, BEATEN! Slower length ball, outside off, Travis Head looks to slog it down the ground but gets beaten by the lack of pace.

6.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Steve Smith, A bit slower, on a length and in the line of the stumps, Smith uses his wrists to turn it wide of mid-wicket for a quick single.

6.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, A bit fuller and outside off, Head steers it to deep point for a single.

6.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, Hard length, around off, Travis pushes it to mid off from the back foot.

6.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Steve Smith, Goes fuller but on the pads, seaming in, Steve Smith leans on and flicks it away to deep square leg for a single.

6.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Steve Smith, Back of a length, around middle, Steve Smith get opened up and drops it down to the deck.

5.6: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, FOUR! SMART BATTING! Farooqi bangs in short of a length to surprise the batter, around middle and angles it into the body, Travis Head waits for it and opens the face of the bat off late to ramp it over the keeper behind the wickets for a boundary.

5.5: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, OUCH! Hard length, with pace, around middle, Travis Head looks to pull this but he misjudges the length and gets an inside edge. Gets hit on the box. 

5.4: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, FOUR! WOW! HEAD IS PUTTING UP A SHOW HERE! A slower ball from Fazalhaq Farooqi and he goes fuller and wide outside off, Travis Head goes low and extends his arms to reach out to loft it inside out over cover for a boundary. 

5.3: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, Similar length, around middle, Travis Head opens the face of the bat and looks to play it down the ground but gets it through the outer half of the bat to point.

5.2: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, Hard length, around middle, Head defends it off the inner half of the bat to mid on.

5.1: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, FOUR! THRASHED! On a good length and touch outside off, Travis Head hops up a bit to get on top of the bounce and pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a boundary.

4.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Steve Smith, Nagging length, around middle and off, Smith drops it down back to the bowler. An eventful over comes to an end. 

4.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Steve Smith, FOUR! AND ANOTHER! Omarzai goes fuller but on the pads, easy for Steve Smith as he leans on and flicks it in the gap towards mid-wicket for another boundary.

4.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Steve Smith, FOUR! WHAT A WAY TO GET OFF THE MARK! Back of a length, around off, Steve Smith hops up a bit and punches it away in the gap towards extra cover for a boundary. 

The skipper, Steve Smith walks out to bat now.

4.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, OUT! CAUGHT! A GOOD CATCH AND THIS TIME, SHORT DEPARTS! Azmatullah Omarzai gets the deserved wicket finally as he bowls on a good length, around middle, coming in, Matthew Short leans on and looks to flick it but gets a top edge only. The ball goes towards mid on where the fielder, Gulbadin Naib runs in backwards and extends his arms to catch this over his right shoulder. Australia are 44/1. 

4.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Travis Head, Bangs in short of a length, around middle, Head pulls it down to deep square leg for a single.

4.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, DROPPED! WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT? Back of a length, around off and middle, Matthew Short just stands tall and pulls it hard but straight to deep square leg where the substitute fielder Nangeyalia Kharote goes low and looks to catch it but he gets confused by the lights and spills down an easy catch. The batters run for a single and both of them have got a life now.

3.6: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, FOUR! AUSTRALIA OFF TO A FLIER HERE! Farooqi bowls it fuller and on the pads again, easy for Travis Head as he lunges and flicks it away to deep backward square leg for a boundary. The fielder should have done better to his right there and Fazalhaq Farooqi seems deflated.

3.5: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, On a good length, around off, Head hops up a bit and drops it down to the deck. 

3.4: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, A bit slower around off, on a length, Head comes forward and drives it to mid off.

3.3: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, Full again but outside off, Head pushes it to mid off.

3.2: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, SIX! Rubbing salt into the wounds! Farooqi goes fuller but on the pads, easy for Travis Head as he lunges and flicks it away with the angle for a biggie at deep fine leg. The fielder is just a mere spectator. 

3.1: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, DROPPED! On a length, around off, Travis Head presses back and pulls it but gets it through the bottom part of the bat towards mid on where Rashid Khan moves in to his left and extends his arms to catch it but the ball bursts out through his hands. HOW COSTLY WILL IT BE FOR THEM? Rashid just never got in a comfortable position and ended up going with the crocodile hands.

2.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Sprays it on the pads, fuller in length, Matthew Short lunges and flicks it away to deep backward square leg for a boundary to end the over. 14 off it.

2.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, Goes fuller this time, around middle, seaming in, Matthew Short comes forward and looks to flick it away but gets an inside edge to the pads.

2.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, SIX! PUNISHED! Hard length, around off and middle, in the arc of Matthew Short as he presses back a bit and thumps it over mid-wicket for a biggie. TOP SHOT!

2.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, BEATEN! A bit slower as he rolls his fingers, on a length, around off, comes in with the angle, Matthew Short swings at it with no foot movement and gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball zips past the off stump.

2.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, Nagging length, around middle, Short turns it to mid-wicket.

2.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, FOUR! EDGED AND BOUNDARY! Afghanistan will be disappointed with these streaky boundaries. On a good length, outside off, Matthew Short stands tall and looks to drag it to the leg side by pulling it but gets a top edge through the bottom part of the bat. The ball flies over the slip and goes for a boundary at deep third.

1.6: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, Nagging length, around off, Head drops it down back to the bowler.

1.5: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS THIS! Touch short by Farooqi but well outside off, offering width, Travis Head presses back and drags it by pulling towards mid-wicket for a boundary. 

1.4: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Matthew Short, On a good length, around middle, seaming in, Matthew Short stands tall and looks to punch it away but gets a thick inside edge that past the leg stump to deep fine leg for a single.

1.4: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, WIDE! Lands it full again but down the leg side, a big inswing this time, Travis Head looks to flick it but misses. The keeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz puts in a dive to his right but parries away through his hand towards short fine leg for a single. Called a wide as well.

1.3: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, Back of a length and outside off, Travis Head hops up and cuts it in the gap towards deep point for a couple of runs. 

1.3: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, WIDE! A big outswinger now, fuller and wide outside off, Travis Head looks to cut it but misses. Called a wide.

1.2: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, FOUR LEG BYES! Goes slightly fuller and on the pads, Travis Head hops up a bit and looks to flick it but misses. The ball brushes off the pads and goes to deep fine leg for a boundary. 

1.1: Fazalhaq Farooqi to Travis Head, An appeal for LBW but is turned down by the umpire! A big inswinger and around middle and leg, Travis Head gets caught on the crease and looks to flick it but misses and gets hit on the back pad. They are not going for the review as probably it is going down leg. That swung back a long way!

Fazalhaq Farooqi to operate from the other end.

0.6: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, Back of a length, around off, Short drops it down to cover. Just a boundary off the first over of the chase.

0.5: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Hard length, but down the leg side, Matthew Short presses back and helps on its way to deep fine leg for a boundary. Australia are underway.

0.4: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, Hard length, around middle, Short looks to punch it away towards cover but gets a thick inside edge to mid-wicket.

0.3: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, On a good length, around off, a hint of outswing, Short drops it down to cover.

0.2: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, Keeps it fuller, and outside off, Short drives it to mid off from the front foot.

0.1: Azmatullah Omarzai to Matthew Short, Starts with a full ball, seaming away, outside off, Matthew Short comes forward and drives it through the outer half of the bat to backward point. There is a bit of misfield by the fielder but they are not going for the run. Also, Short seems to be hobbling as he did in the field and doesn't look comfortable out there.

We are back for the all-important run chase! Happy faces in the Afghan camp as the players form a huddle near the ropes with Gulbadin Naib trying to pump up his teammates before striding onto the field and the umpires are out in the middle as well. It will be the pairing of Matthew Short and Travis Head that will open the innings for Australia. Azmatullah Omarzai to start proceedings with the ball, let's go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Australia got off to an ideal start with Spencer Johnson producing a beauty to dismiss Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the very first over. However, the pacers struggled to capitalize on that breakthrough and couldn't fully exploit the swing on offer. The spinners stepped up in the middle overs, with Adam Zampa grabbing two key wickets and Glenn Maxwell chipping in with one. Ben Dwarshuis continued his impressive form with a three-fer, but Australia might feel they let Afghanistan off the hook, especially after eyeing a sub-250 total at one stage. Conceding 37 extras could also prove costly in a high-stakes game like this. While the Aussies boast a strong batting lineup, the pressure of a knockout match is a different challenge altogether, and Afghanistan won’t make it easy. Stay tuned for the chase!

Adam Zampa is up for a quick chat. He says that it has been a mixed day for him as he struggled to find the correct length but he is satisfied that he picked up a couple of wickets in the end. Adds that the pitch is a bit two-paced and he came in to bowl in the powerplay where the ball was coming onto the bat nicely. Mention that the Afghan bowlers will bowl stumps to stumps, especially Rashid as they like to do so with the batters of Australia to protect the stumps and play out straightly to the spinners of Afghanistan. Concludes that he is pretty happy with the score and hopes that they will be able to defend it.

Despite an early setback, Afghanistan weathered the storm well, with Sediqullah Atal and Ibrahim Zadran providing stability at the crease. However, they stumbled once spin came into play, losing key wickets at crucial moments. Atal fell for 85, just when they needed him to push on for a big score. The middle order couldn't contribute much, apart from Azmatullah Omarzai, who handled the situation brilliantly, scoring a vital 67 off 63 to ensure the bowlers have something to defend when they take the field again.

Afghanistan put up a strong batting display! The momentum swung back and forth, with both teams refusing to give an inch. However, a crucial knock from the ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024, Azmatullah Omarzai, has powered them to a competitive total. That said, Australia will believe they've done well to restrict them to 15-20 runs below par on this batting-friendly surface, with dew also set to play a factor.

49.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Noor Ahmad, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Ben Dwarshuis closes things out with a couple of wickets in the final over and Afghanistan are all out for 273 on the very last ball of the innings. Ben takes some pace off and bowls it into the pitch, angling it across off, Noor Ahmad backs away to cut but seems to have missed it and Josh Inglis dives forward to pouch the ball. The batters runs through for a bye and there isn't much of an appeal but the umpire says no. It is reviewed though and UltraEdge shows a spike as the ball is next to the ball and it is taken cleanly as well, so a good review and Dwarshius ends with 3 wickets.

49.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Fazalhaq Farooqi, BYE! Back of a length and around off, Fazalhaq Farooqi looks to fetch and pull but is beaten. The batters do manage to scamper through for a bye.

Fazalhaq Farooqi is the last man in.

49.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent work in the deep and Ben Dwarshuis is closing things out decently here for Australia. Dwarshius goes short and wide, banging it well into the deck. Azmatullah Omarzai has to reach for it a bit and goes hard after it, managing to slash it away flat over the cover-point region. Alex Carey runs in from the deep and slides in to just hang on with both hands. End of a fine knock from Omarzai, 67 off just 63 balls.

49.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, A bit slower and back of a length around off, Omarzai hangs back and fetches the ball before swinging it towards long on. No single again, a dot then!

49.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, FOUR! Banged away! Floated up a bit fuller and around off, almost in the slot, Omarzai clears the front leg and swats it straight down the ground towards long off for a boundary.

49.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Banged in halfway don the pitch and angled well away from the right-hander, Azmatullah Omarzai reaches for it and only manages to toe-end it down towards cover. Doesn't take the single!

Ben Dwarshuis (8-0-43-1) will be bowling the last over. Can he keep Afghanistan under 280 here?

48.6: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Smart batting here and 14 runs come off that over! Slower one, a bit full and outside off, Omarzai guides it away through backward point for one and will reatin the strike.

48.5: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! That is raw power from Azmat! Back of a length and outside off, not a bad delivery but Omarzai just stays put and opens up those arms before flat-batting it over wide long off for another biggie.

48.4: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Excellent comeback from Ellis! Goes full and quick, angles it into the pads, Omarzai looks to stay back and flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

48.3: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Misses out! Another slower one, short and well outside off, Omarzai goes hard at it but is beaten by the lack of pace this time.

48.2: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! A lot of chat between the bowler and skipper before this delivery but Azmatullah Omarzai sends it into the stands. Banged in well short and outside off, Omarzai fetches it away and muscles the pull high and over deep mid-wicket for a massive 102-meter six, wow!

48.1: Nathan Ellis to Noor Ahmad, Slower one, into the pitch and around off, sits up nicely and Noor pulls it away to deep square leg for one. Turns the strike over on the first ball.

47.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Noor Ahmad, Slower one, full and in the blockhole around off, edged down to deep third for a single.

47.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Noor Ahmad, WIDE! Hard length on leg, just pushing this one down the leg side for a wide.

47.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Another single and FIFTY up for Azmatullah Omarzai, another fine effort from this budding talent. Full and wide, darted well across off, Omarzai reaches out and squeezes it in front of point for one. 8th ODI half-century for Omarzai!

47.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Noor Ahmad, Full and wide again, Noor Ahmad stays deep and holds his shape before slicing it up and over the cover fielder. A single taken as well.

47.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Noor Ahmad, Swing and a miss! Around the wicket to the tail-ender, bowled full and wide outside off, Noor reaches out to drive but is beaten.

47.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, A tad short and wide, hit away off the back foot and square through covers for one. The 250 also comes up for Afghanistan with that.

47.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length and outside off, tapped away in front of covers where the fielder is quick to get to the ball. Dot!

47.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, WIDE! Full and bowled across the right-hander, drifting beyond the tramline for a wide.

What happened there? The umpire called it over and Noor Ahmad started to walk off to the other end. The fielder throws it to the keeper's end when Josh Inglis breaks the stumps and appeals for it. However, when the umpires were about to go upstairs, skipper Steve Smith withdrew the appeal. Good to see the spirit of the game here.

46.6: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Just back of a length over off, Omarzai presses back and pats it down through mid on for one. Also, in between overs, it seems like Australia appealed for a run out chance as Noor Ahmad wandered out of the crease, thinking the ball was dead. Alex Carey dislodged the bails but Steve Smith opted out of the appeal as the play was dead, some good sportsmanship from the Aussie skipper.

46.5: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Top bowling! Back to over the wicket, floated up in the channel, slower too and this one moves away, Omarzai leans on to drive but is beaten past the outside edge.

46.4: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Bowled from around the wicket, slower and back of a length outside off, Omarzai waits well and taps it wide of point but just not wide enough.

46.3: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, In the air...safe! Pitched up and wide outside off, Omarzai hangs back and reaches out before lofting it high over covers. The ball lands in between the long off and deep cover field and plugs. Two taken.

46.2: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! Azmatullah Omarzai keeping Afghanistan alive here and that has just been bruted away. Back of a length and around off, Omarzai stands tall and just wallops it through the line and straight down the ground for a six. That length was so hard to hit straight but Omarzai didn't care!

46.1: Nathan Ellis to Noor Ahmad, A slower bumper over leg, aimed in towards the body, Noor Ahmad awkwardly pulls it down through fine leg for one.

45.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Noor Ahmad, Full and around off, a very low full toss, Noor opens the bat face and eases it away in front of point for one more.

45.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back to over the wicket, bowled into the pitch and angled across off, Omarzai reaches out and hits it down through covers for a single. 

45.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Noor Ahmad, Good length, bowled from around the stumps and in the channel, Noor Ahmad guides it down to deep third for a single.

Noor Ahmad comes out to the middle now.

45.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Rashid Khan, OUT! CAUGHT! Ben Dwarshuis gets the last laugh here and Afghanistan lose their 8th! Dwarshius does well to see Rashid Khan shuffle across the off stump and bowls another short and wide one, but takes pace off this time. Rashid loses his balance a bit and tries to swat it over long on but mistimes it badly. Glenn Maxwell comes in from the deep towards mid on and pouches it safely. Rashid was just starting to fire but has to depart at a crucial stage.

45.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Up and away! Short of a length and angled well outside off, Rashid Khan stays back but moves to the off side before playing a bit of a helicopter shot over backward point for a boundary.

45.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Hard-length delivery, angled across off, Omarzai makes room and slashes it down to deep backward point for one.

44.6: Nathan Ellis to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Oh, off the edge and Rashid Khan won't mind that one bit. Another off-paced delivery, banged in short around off, Rashid comes forward ad tries to play a tennis smash but gets it off the cue end of the bat and wide of the keeper into the deep third fence.

44.5: Nathan Ellis to Rashid Khan, Can't find the gap! Good length in the channel, Rashid stays low and waits well before steering it away but gets it straight to a widish short third.

44.4: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Takes pace off, bowling it on a shortish length and outside off, hit away down towards covers for a single.

44.3: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Crunched away! Banged in short over middle, Omarzai picks it up and flat-bats the pull just wide of Glenn Maxwell at deep mid-wicket and Maxwell gets his body behind it. The batters pick up a couple of runs.

44.2: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Well bowled again! Full and quick, darted in at the toes, Azmatullah Omarzai just backs away to open up the off side but has to dig it out.

44.1: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Nicely bowled! Slow and short as well, outside off, gets this one to move away as well. Omarzai stays put and swings at it but is well beaten.

43.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Rashid Khan, And again! Back of a length and angled across off, Rashid looks to cut it away but is beaten for pace.

43.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Rashid Khan, Beaten! Just short of a good length and angled across off, Rashid just has a slight shuffle across and looks to guide it away but misses.

43.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Rashid Khan, Oh, sloppy in the field from Australia again! Hard length outside off, Omarzai just taps it towards backward point where Nathan Ellis lets it straight through the legs and gives away a couple of runs.

43.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Short of a length and around leg, worked away off the hips down to deep backward square leg for one.

43.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length and over off, Omarzai stands tall and punches it away sweetly behind deep point. The batters do brilliantly to race back for the second run.

43.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Rashid Khan, Another mistimed shot from Rashid and again, he gets away with it! Banged in back of a length around leg, Rashid comes forward to pull but gets it off the top of the bat and lobs it well short of long on for a single.

42.6: Adam Zampa to Rashid Khan, On a good length and outside off, punched away through covers for one. 12 off that over!

42.5: Adam Zampa to Rashid Khan, Tossed up, full and around off, hit away straight to cover.

42.4: Adam Zampa to Rashid Khan, Nonchalant shot but top fielding from Matthew Short as well. A knee-high full toss on leg, Rashid sits down and swats it away well behind square leg and it seems to be heading to the fence. Short runs to his right and puts in a late dive to save two runs for his side.

42.3: Adam Zampa to Rashid Khan, Up and over, safe enough! Tossed up on off, Rashid Khan comes down the pitch and looks to get it over long off but slices it away over extra cover and wide of long off for a couple of runs.

42.2: Adam Zampa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Too short and wide, gets away with it as Omarzai cuts it hard but straight to deep point for a single.

42.1: Adam Zampa to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! Oh, a bit of a counter-punch from Omarzai! Tossed up around leg, Omarzai is quick to back away and gets down on knee before slogging it deep into the stands over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. That went 98 meters!

41.6: Nathan Ellis to Rashid Khan, Pace-on this time, darting it in at the off stump, Rashid Khan watches it well and keeps it out on the off side.

41.5: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Slower one, on a hard length and around the top of off, Omarzai taps it away behind point for one and they get through easily and Marnus Labuschagne fumbles.

41.4: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Oh, extra bounce! Back of a length and around off, this one shoots up off the deck, Omarzai is taken aback as the ball flies over the outside edge.

41.3: Nathan Ellis to Rashid Khan, Slower one, on a good length around middle, sits up, Rashid plays it late and just blocks it to the on side past the pitch for a quick single.

41.2: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length and around off, Ellis falls over as well. Omarzai stands tall and taps it through covers for one more.

41.1: Nathan Ellis to Rashid Khan, Hard length on off, this one angles back in, Rashid leans on and clips it away through the square leg region for a single.

40.6: Adam Zampa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Tossed up, full and straight, right on the popping crease, Omarzai digs it out to the bowler.

40.5: Adam Zampa to Rashid Khan, Flatter one, pushing it into the pads, Rashid tucks it around the corner for one.

40.4: Adam Zampa to Rashid Khan, Tosses this one up, full and outside off, enticing the batter, Rashid Khan smacks it but along the ground and straight to covers.

40.3: Adam Zampa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Flights this one up on leg, Omarzai takes the front leg out and drives it down to long on for one. The 200 comes up for Afghanistan now.

40.2: Adam Zampa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Nice and full, angled in from around middle, quicker too, Omarzai drives it away to mid off.

40.1: Adam Zampa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Bowls it short on off, this one skids on, Azmatullah Omarzai stays back and punches it back to the bowler. 

Rashid Khan walks in at number 9. Also, it is time for Powerplay 3 now. Australia can have five fielders outside the circle till the end.

39.6: Nathan Ellis to Gulbadin Naib, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! AFGHANISTAN ARE SEVEN DOWN! Nathan Ellis rolls his fingers on this ball, on a good length and around off. Gulbadin Naib clears out his front leg and looks to slog it to the leg side. But he manages to get a top edge only as the ball goes towards the slip cordon. Josh Inglis, the keeper, calls for it and moves forward and to his right to take it with both hands. 

39.5: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Goes fuller, around middle, Omarzai pushes it to long on for a single.

39.4: Nathan Ellis to Gulbadin Naib, DROPPED! It will be a bit harsh to call this a drop as Matthew Short has almost plucked a blinder here. Back of a length, around middle, Gulbadin Naib pulls it but mistimes it as the ball lobs up in the air towards mid-wicket. Matthew Short moves to his right a bit and puts in a full-stretched dive with his outstretched right arm and grabs it but the ball bursts out through his hand on the landing. The batters take a single.

39.3: Nathan Ellis to Gulbadin Naib, Goes fuller, pace off, around middle, Gulbadin Naib gets surprised a bit but he manages to keep it down with the straight bat.

39.2: Nathan Ellis to Gulbadin Naib, Hard length, around middle, shaping in a bit, Gulbadin Naib looks to defend it but gets it through the inner half of the bat onto his boot. The ball rolls away back to the bowler.

39.1: Nathan Ellis to Gulbadin Naib, On a good length, around middle, Naib comes forward and nudges it to mid-wicket.

38.6: Spencer Johnson to Gulbadin Naib, Similar length, but on the pads this time, Gulbadin Naib hops up a bit and tickles it towards deep fine leg for a single. 

38.5: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, Hard length and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai opens the face of the bat and looks to cut it but gets it through the outer half of the bat to deep third man for a single.

38.4: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, On a good length, around off, Omarzai drives it to cover.

38.3: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, BEATEN! On a good length, in the channel, going away with the angle, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

38.2: Spencer Johnson to Gulbadin Naib, Back of a length, around middle, Naib pulls it down to deep mid-wicket for a single.

A slight halt in the play as that one has skimmed the top of the helmet and a mandatory concussion check will now follow for Gulbadin Naib. Everything looks good, a prompt restart to proceedings.

38.1: Spencer Johnson to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR LEG BYES! A well-directed short ball by Spencer Johnson around middle, Gulbadin Naib looks to pull it but he keeps his eyes off from the ball and it goes straight off the helmet and flies over the keeper behind the wicket for a four handy runs. 

37.6: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Again a slower ball, fuller and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai gets surprised and drives it aerially towards backward point for a couple of runs. 

37.5: Nathan Ellis to Gulbadin Naib, Goes fuller now, around middle, Gulbadin Naib comes forward and flicks it away towards fine leg for a single.

37.4: Nathan Ellis to Gulbadin Naib, Similar length, but outside off this time, with pace off, Gulbadin Naib waits to it and dabs it to backward point.

37.3: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length, around off, Azmatullah Omarzai pulls it hard to deep square leg for a single.

37.2: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, Hard length, around off, Omarzai defends it. 

37.1: Nathan Ellis to Azmatullah Omarzai, A massive appeal for caught behind but is turned down by the umpire! Steve Smith takes a review here as he thinks there is some noise. On a good length, touch outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. No need for UltraEdge as replays show a big gap between bat and ball. NOT OUT and Australia burn a review here.

36.6: Spencer Johnson to Gulbadin Naib, On a hard length, around off, Gulbadin Naib looks to pull it but gets it through the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket. 

36.5: Spencer Johnson to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR LEG BYES! Hard length, but down the leg side, Gulbadin Naib looks to tickle it but misses. The ball brushes the thigh pad and goes to the boundary at deep fine leg for a boundary. 

Gulbadin Naib is in next.

36.5: Spencer Johnson to Mohammad Nabi, OUT! RUN OUT! AUSTRALIA HAVE MADE A GOOD COMEBACK! Spencer Johnson bangs in a short-of-a-length ball, and down the leg side, Mohammad Nabi lets it go as he doesn't offer any shot at it. Josh Inglis moves to his left and extends his left arm to catch it, but the ball bursts out through his hand and parries away behind him. He is quick to pick the ball and throw it to the batter's end as the bowler Spencer Johnson has come in close to the stumps. Meanwhile, Nabi was looking for a quick single because of that misfield but is sent back by Azmatullah Omarzai. Johnson dislodges the bails as soon as he collects it and Mohammad Nabi falls short of the crease as he tries to drag his bat.

Is that a run-out? Smart work from Spencer Johnson and Australia seem they have got their man. Josh Inglis parries a wide delivery towards leg gully and Mohammad Nabi tries to sneak in a single but is sent back. Johnson is quick to get to the keeper's end and calls loudly as Inglis responds and Johnson collects the ball, throwing it back onto the stumps. Replays show that Nabi is short and OUT comes up on the big screen.

36.4: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, Hard length, around off, Omarzai slashes it from the back foot to deep cover for a single.

36.3: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, Keeps it fuller, well outside off, Omarzai drives it again but straight to extra cover this time.

36.2: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, A bit fuller and well outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai comes forward and drives it in the gap towards sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

36.1: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, On a good length, but on the pads, Azmatullah Omarzai defends it down to the deck.

35.6: Adam Zampa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Again fuller, around off, Omarzai strides forward and drives it. Steve Smith fails to collect the ball as it parries away off his hands towards mid off and the batters run for a single.

35.5: Adam Zampa to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up, around middle, Nabi pushes it to long on from the front foot for a single.

Drinks break! What a time to get a wicket for Australia and Hashmatullah Shahidi will be very disappointed with himself. Afghanistan have lost half their side with just over 14 overs remaining and it is now all on the experienced lower middle order to conjure up a fightback. Australia will be aware that another wicket here and they could really put on the squeeze heading into the death overs. A fascinating few overs are coming up ahead. With that said, Mohammad Nabi, aka Mr. President, walks out to bat now.

35.4: Adam Zampa to Hashmatullah Shahidi, OUT! CAUGHT! A SCRATCHY INNING FROM THE AFGHAN SKIPPER COMES TO AN END! Adam Zampa picks up his second wicket of the day as he bowls it slower, gives flight and keeps it touch outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi as in the pressure of playing too many dot balls, shuffles across and goes on his knee to sweep it. He generates a top edge only and the ball goes towards square leg. Marnus Labuschagne just backtracks a couple of steps and takes an easy catch. Afghanistan are 176/5 and Hashmatullah Shahidi goes for 20 runs off 49 balls.

35.3: Adam Zampa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Dragged length and outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it off the back foot to sweeper cover for a single.

35.2: Adam Zampa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Fuller again, around middle, Omarzai knocks it towards mid on and Travis Head puts in a dive to his left to save the single.

35.1: Adam Zampa to Azmatullah Omarzai, Tossed up, around off, Omarzai comes forward and drops it down to cover.

34.6: Matthew Short to Azmatullah Omarzai, Similar length, around middle, Omarzai knocks it down to long on for a single off the back foot.

34.5: Matthew Short to Azmatullah Omarzai, Drags his length, and touch outside off, Omarzai punches it to cover off the back foot.

34.4: Matthew Short to Azmatullah Omarzai, SIX! TOP SHOT! Matthew Short keeps it slower and fuller, around off, in the slot, Azmatullah Omarzai goes on his knee and slogs it over cow corner for a biggie. 

34.3: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Flighted up, around middle, Shahidi comes forward and pushes it to long on for a single.

34.2: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Comes around the wicket, and floats it up, around middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to reverse sweep it but gets an inside edge as the ball lobs up in the air but falls down ahead of the bowler.

34.1: Matthew Short to Azmatullah Omarzai, Nagging length and touch outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai extends his arms to steer it towards backward point for a single.

33.6: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, Full around middle, Omarzai makes room and drops it down to mid on for a single.

33.5: Spencer Johnson to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Back of a length, around middle and leg, coming in with the angle, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to cut it but gets a thick inside edge onto the pads. He takes a quick single as the ball rolls away towards point. 

33.4: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, Keeps it fuller and around middle, Azmatullah Omarzai makes room and looks to play it down the ground with the full face of the bat but gets a thick inside edge towards square leg for a single.

33.3: Spencer Johnson to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Leg bye! Goes fuller and on the pads, Hashmatullah Shahidi leans on and looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the front pad. They run off for a quick single for leg bye as the ball rolls away beside of the pitch towards the leg side. 

33.2: Spencer Johnson to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hard length, around middle and leg, Shahidi hops up and looks to flick it but gets a leading edge to backward point.

33.1: Spencer Johnson to Hashmatullah Shahidi, BEATEN! Back of a length, around middle, angling into the body, Hashmatullah Shahidi makes room and looks to cut it off late but gets beaten on the outside edge.

32.6: Matthew Short to Azmatullah Omarzai, Nice and full, outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai defends it to cover now.

32.5: Matthew Short to Azmatullah Omarzai, FLatter, full outside off, Omarzai looks to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

32.4: Matthew Short to Azmatullah Omarzai, Floated up, well outside off, goes straight off the deck, Azmatullah Omarzai comes forward and looks to turn it to the leg side but gets beaten on the outside edge. Josh Inglis dislodges the bails but the back leg of Omarzai is well stationed in the crease. There is an appeal for stumping but the umpire isn't interested. 

32.3: Matthew Short to Azmatullah Omarzai, Tossed up, from over the wicket, around off, Azmatullah Omarzai takes a big stride forward and defends it to cover.

32.2: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darts in fuller, but on the legs, Hashmatullah Shahidi lifts his back leg up and drills it to long on for a single. 

32.1: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Drops it short, around off, Shahidi cuts it but straight to cover point.

31.6: Spencer Johnson to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Slightly fuller, around off, a hint of inswing, Hashmatullah Shahidi dabs it towards cover point and runs off for a quick single. A good over for Spencer Johnson as he has give away just 2 runs and picks up a wicket. 

31.5: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, Back of a length, around leg, Azmatullah Omarzai hops up a bit and drops it down towards square leg for a single to get off the mark.

31.4: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, A bit slower and much fuller, around off, Azmat lunges and drives it to mid off.

31.3: Spencer Johnson to Azmatullah Omarzai, Good length, around middle, Omarzai defends it.

Azmatullah Omarzai walks out to bat now.

31.2: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, OUT! CAUGHT! GONE! SEDIQUALLAH ATAL MISSES OUT ON HIS HUNDRED! Spencer Johnson breaks the partnership in his new spell as he comes in from over the wicket and bowls it a bit fuller and around off. Sediqullah Atal comes forward and drives it but fails to keep it down and hits it straight to the cover fielder. The ball goes flat and low as Steve Smith makes a dive forward and catches it with both hands. A fine catch by the Australian skipper. Atal departs after a fantastic 85 off 95, and Afghanistan are 159/4. 

31.1: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Starts with a full ball, around off, on seam, Sediqullah Atal prods and drives it to mid off.

30.6: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Much shorter and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi uses his feet and chops it out to extra cover.

30.5: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Dragged length and touch outside off, Sediqullah Atal cuts it to deep cover for a single.

30.4: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Tossed up now, around off, Sediqullah Atal comes forward and drives it to cover.

30.3: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Keeps it shorter, and around off, Shahidi backs away and cuts it towards short third man for a quick single.

30.2: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Similar length but on the pads, easy for Sediqullah Atal as he pushes it to long on for a single.

30.1: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Nagging length, around off, Atal punches it to cover.

29.6: Adam Zampa to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Another short delivery, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it wide of deep point for a brace.

29.5: Adam Zampa to Hashmatullah Shahidi, A run-out chance...missed! Shortish and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi uses his feet and stabs it towards mid off. He sets off for the run but is sent back. Matthew Short has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. It should have been at the keeper's end where Shahidi had no chance of getting back in time. 

29.4: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Flighted, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it towards covers for another run.

29.3: Adam Zampa to Hashmatullah Shahidi, A looopy full toss, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi drills it to long on for a run.

29.2: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Tossed up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal drills it to long on for a single.

29.1: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, SIX! BOOM! Sediqullah Atal goes big again! Floated, full and on middle. Sediqullah Atal takes a big stride forward to get to the pitch of the ball and tonks it wide of long on for a biggie. 150 up for Afghanistan!

28.6: Nathan Ellis to Sediqullah Atal, Fuller one and on leg, Sediqullah Atal flicks it away beautifully towards deep mid-wicket for one.

28.5: Nathan Ellis to Sediqullah Atal, A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Good length and on middle and leg, skids through bit. Sediqullah Atal looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads. Steve Smith has a chat with his players but decides against the review. Probably pitched outside leg. Oh, deary me! Replays later show that if Australia had reviewed, it would have been out. What an opportunity missed to get the set batter out.

28.4: Nathan Ellis to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Lovely shot! Nathan Ellis lands this short of a length and outside off. Sediqullah Atal gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it wide of point for a boundary. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

28.3: Nathan Ellis to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Back of a length and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it to sweeper covers for a single.

28.2: Nathan Ellis to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Slower one, full and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi steers it to point.

28.1: Nathan Ellis to Hashmatullah Shahidi, On a length and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it out.

27.6: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Short again and on middle and leg, Sediqullah Atal keeps it out to the leg side.

27.5: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Short and on middle, Sediqullah Atal tucks it to mid-wicket.

27.4: Adam Zampa to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Flatter, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi drills it to mid off for a run.

27.3: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Flighted, full and around off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it through covers for a single.

27.2: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Floated, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal knocks it down the pitch.

27.1: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, SIX! Good strike! Tossed up, full and on middle and off. Sediqullah Atal dances down the track and goes for the big shot down the ground. He does not get it from the middle and there is a shout for 'Catch It'. However, mid off is up in the circle and the ball sails just over the long off fence for a biggie.

26.6: Nathan Ellis to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Overpitched and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi drills it to mid off.

26.5: Nathan Ellis to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Bangs this into the pitch, well outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi uses his feet, reaches out for it and stabs it to covers.

26.4: Nathan Ellis to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hits the length hard and just outside, angles away, Hashmatullah Shahidi slashes at it but misses.

26.3: Nathan Ellis to Sediqullah Atal, Short of a length and on off, Sediqullah Atal pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

26.2: Nathan Ellis to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Slower one, back of a length and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi runs it down to third man for a single.

26.1: Nathan Ellis to Hashmatullah Shahidi, On a length and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pats it towards mid offf.

25.6: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Flatter, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal tucks it to short mid-wicket.

25.5: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Flighted, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi eases it to long on for another run.

25.4: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Drags his length back again, on middle, Sediqullah Atal nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

25.3: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Short again and on off, Sediqullah Atal stabs it to cover-point.

25.2: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Floated, short and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it through covers for a single.

25.1: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Tossed up, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it to the right of the bowler.

24.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Fuller one and and on the pads, Sediqullah Atal flicks it wide of deep mid-wickert for a brace. 10 runs off the over!

24.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Top shot! Ben Dwarshuis bangs this into the pitch and outside off, takes pace off as well. Sediqullah Atal waits for it and drags it from there to heave it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

24.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Good length and once again down the leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi stabs it towards square leg for a run.

24.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Short of a length and on middle, Sediqullah Atal pulls it to the right of fine leg this time for a single.

24.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Hard length and angling down the leg side, Sediqullah Atal glances it wide of fine leg for a couple of runs.

24.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Back of a length and on middle, nips back in, Sediqullah Atal misses his flick and gets hit high on the pads.

23.6: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Anothet short delivery, outside off, Sediqullah Atal cuts it to deep point for a run.

23.5: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Short again and on off, turns away, Sediqullah Atal guides it towards point.

23.4: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, A bit short and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi uses his feet and punches it through covers for a run.

23.3: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Floated, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it back to the bowler.

23.2: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Flatter, full and on leg, Sediqullah Atal misses his flick as the ball goes towards short fine. A leg bye is taken.

23.1: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Tossed up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal blocks it out.

22.6: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Quicker, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi fends it away.

22.5: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Floated, full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi steers it to point.

22.4: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Short again and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it to covers.

22.3: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Very lucky! Glenn Maxwell sees the batter advance and drags his length back outside off. Hashmatullah Shahidi is well outside the crease and tries to cut. He just manages to get a bottom edge that goes between the legs of the keeper for a boundary.

22.2: Glenn Maxwell to Sediqullah Atal, Short and outside off, Sediqullah Atal cuts it towards deep point for a single.

22.1: Glenn Maxwell to Sediqullah Atal, SIX! FIFTY FOR ATAL! An excellent knock in a pressure situation, but he needs to make it big now. Tossed up, full and on middle and leg. Sediqullah Atal skips down the track and smokes it over the wide long on fence for a biggie.

21.6: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Fires one full but down the leg side, Hashmatullah Shahidi tries to flick but it goes off the pads towards fine leg. Two leg byes taken.

21.5: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Floated, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi comes down the track and drills it towards mid on.

21.4: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Flighted, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it out.

21.4: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Quicker, short but down the leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi fails to glance it away. Wided. 100 up for Afghanistan!

21.3: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, A slight mix-up but no harm done! Short and on middle, Sediqullah Atal pats it towards mid-wicket and sets off for the run. Both batters stop in the middle but the throw is at the keeper's end. It needed be at the other side.

21.2: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Flatter, full and on off, Sediqullah Atal looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

21.1: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Tossed up, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal turns it to the leg side.

20.6: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Flighted, full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi keeps it to the off side.

20.5: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Short again and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi cuts it to point.

20.4: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Floated, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi uses his feet to drive it away but bunts on the pitch.

20.3: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Drags his length back, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi stabs it down the pitch.

20.2: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, A bit short again and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it back to the bowler.

20.2: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Quicker, short but down the leg side, Hashmatullah Shahidi misses his flick. Josh Inglis moves to his right but only manages to parry it towards third man. It is called a wide and two byes taken.

20.1: Glenn Maxwell to Sediqullah Atal, Floated, full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.

19.6: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Can't get it away, just a single off the over! Drifted into the legs, Shahidi reaches out to sweep but miscues it badly. Afghanistan 94/3 after 20 overs!

19.5: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Floated up, on a nagging length and on off, Shahidi gets a good stride forward and blocks it off.

19.4: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Fired in a bit and angled into the pads, Shahidi leans on and nudges it off the inside edge towards square leg.

19.3: Matthew Short to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Nicely flighted, on middle, Shahidi leans on to make the block.

19.2: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Dropped quite short and around off, Sediqullah Atal rocks back and punches it away just wide of long off for a run.

19.1: Matthew Short to Sediqullah Atal, Short starts from around the wicket, bowling it full on middle and leg, Atal plays it away to mid on.

18.6: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Just a smidge fuller ad around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi eases it away to covers.

18.5: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Pushed through quicker and on a length around off, punched away sweetly but straight to covers.

18.4: Glenn Maxwell to Sediqullah Atal, Flighted ball, a bit full and around off, Atal drives it on the up to long off and picks up a single.

18.3: Glenn Maxwell to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Off the mark right away! On a good length and at the pads, tucked away behind square leg for a single by Shahidi.

Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi is the next man in.

18.2: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Sharp work from behind the stumps by Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell hits right back after conceding the boundary. Pushed through quicker at 92 clicks, on a good length and angled across middle and leg. Rahmat Shah is quick to rock back and away, trying to cut but the ball slides on and catches the outside edge as Inglis hops up and takes a fine catch just to his right. Australia get their third wicket now.

18.1: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! Good intent after the break from Afghanistan! Fractionally short and over middle, Rahmat Shah picks the length early and rocks back before pulling it flat and in front of mid-wicket for a boundary.

17.6: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Floats this one up, fuller and on the pads, Atal works it away straight to mid-wicket.

17.5: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Nicely tossed up on off, Sediqullah Atal watchfully defends it off.

17.4: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! A juicy full toss and this time, Sediqullah Atal makes full use of it. Tossed up around off, Atal keeps a stable base  and just smacks it up and over mid off, for a first boundary after 45 balls.

17.3: Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, A bit too full and on leg, Shah stays leg side of the ball and just caresses the low full toss down to long off for another single.

17.2: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Flighted ball, quite full and on leg, pushed down to long on for one more.

17.1: Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Lobs the ball up, and bowls it wide of off, Rahmat Shah is drawn forward and reaches out before driving it along the turf to sweepers for a single.

DRINKS! The inning is in a well-balanced state for both teams as of now. Afghanistan did a good recovery after losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and they were going great in the first powerplay, but Australia came back with spin. They squeezed up the runs and in the process, Ibrahim Zadran threw his wicket away to a not-good ball of Adam Zampa. Rahmat Shah has just come in to the crease and will look to lay down a good platform for the upcoming batters as they would want a good score of 280 plus from here. Australia just need to chip in more wickets here. An interesting passage of play is ahead of us. Adam Zampa to continue from this end. 

16.6: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, Oh, a fumble from Matthew Short and it costs two extra runs as well! Bowled full on off, Shah drills the drive to mid off where Short comes charging in but lets it through his hands and has to chase it back. The batters do well to sprint for three runs.

16.5: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, Bowled flatter and around off and middle, Shah blocks it off.

16.4: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, Uppish but will land short! Dragged length on middle, angling across, Rahmat Shah hops back and across to cut but the ball holds in the pitch and this is miscued towards mid off.

16.3: Glenn Maxwell to Sediqullah Atal, Floated up around off and middle, Sediqullah Atal leans on and shows the full face of the bat, pushing it down to long off for one more.

16.2: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, Fractionally short and around off, Rahmat Shah makes room and cuts it nicely through backward point for a single.

16.1: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, Quick and a bit short, angled into the body, Shah backs away and plays it down to mid-wicket.

15.6: Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Shorter in length and outside off, slapped away square on the off side but just for a single to sweeper cover.

15.5: Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Nicely tossed up, a bit full and around off, driven firmly on the up but straight to short extra cover.

15.4: Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Nagging length on off, bowled a bit flat, Rahmat Shah gets pushed back and jabs it out on the off side.

15.3: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Tossed up, around the pads, flicked away through square leg for a single this time.

15.2: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Lovely delivery! A bit of flight, bowled a smidge full and on middle, Sediqullah Atal is drawn forward but is beaten in the flight and gets an inside edge onto the pads.

15.1: Adam Zampa to Sediqullah Atal, Good length, sliding it onto the pads, Sediqullah Atal tickles it away down to fine leg where Spencer Johnson runs to his left and puts in the dive, saving a couple of runs for his side as well.

14.6: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, A maiden now! Back to around the wicket, speared in full and around off, Shah manages to jam it out into the off side.

14.5: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, Full and straight, Rahmat Shah uses his feet and comes down the pitch before blocking it down the deck.

14.4: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, Just drags the length back a few inches and bowls it outside off, Shah stays back and taps it away to point.

14.3: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, Beaten! Over the wicket now, bowling it a bit full and around off, this one slides right on and Rahmat Shah is beaten past the outside edge.

14.2: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, Similar line and length again, played off the back foot to mid-wicket.

14.1: Glenn Maxwell to Rahmat Shah, Bowls this one shorter and on off, trying to angle it across, Shah hops back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

13.6: Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Flatter delivery, bowled on a length and on off, punched away from the crease and to wide long off for a single. A positive start for Zampa, wicket and just one run off it.

13.5: Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Darts this one in even fuller, in the blockhole and on middle, Shah backs away and digs it out on the off side.

13.4: Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Nice and full, wide of off, Rahmat Shah looks to drive but gets it off the toe end of the bat.

Rahmat Shah comes out to bat at number four.

13.3: Adam Zampa to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! CAUGHT! Oh, Adam Zampa will be delighted! Not the best delivery he's bowled but Ibrahim Zadran has thrown it away. A bit of a half-tracker, wide outside off and turns further away from the batter, Zadran stays put and just lunges across to cut but can't control the shot. Hits it flat and to the right of point where Marnus Labuschagne snares a sharp chance. The dangerous Ibrahim Zadran departs for 22 (28) and Afghanistan are now 70/2!

13.2: Adam Zampa to Ibrahim Zadran, Play and a miss! Quick and flat, on a length on off and turning away, Ibrahim Zadran backs away to cut but misses.

13.1: Adam Zampa to Ibrahim Zadran, Spin from both ends now! Begins from over the wicket, tossing it up around off, Zadran punches it away in front of point.

12.6: Glenn Maxwell to Sediqullah Atal, Tidy start from Maxwell, just 2 off it! Short and over middle and off, this one turns a bit as well, Atal hops back and eases it down to extra cover.

12.5: Glenn Maxwell to Sediqullah Atal, On a dragged length and over off, Atal presses back and dabs it down just behind point.

12.4: Glenn Maxwell to Sediqullah Atal, Nagging length around off, a hint of turn as well, Sediqullah Atal plays it late and defends it wide of the keeper.

12.3: Glenn Maxwell to Ibrahim Zadran, Floats this one up around fifth stump, Zadran gets a good stride in and smacks it down to long on for one.

12.2: Glenn Maxwell to Ibrahim Zadran, Over the wicket now to Zadran. Bowled on a good length and angled in, Zadran tucks it straight to short mid-wicket.

12.1: Glenn Maxwell to Sediqullah Atal, Starts around the wicket to the left-hander, bowling it full on off, Atal drives it away down to long off for one.

Change? Yes, it is spin time now. Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack. 

11.6: Nathan Ellis to Sediqullah Atal, Short of a good length and over off, Sediqullah Atal looks to punch it away but gets an inside edge past the stumps and towards backward square leg for a single.

11.5: Nathan Ellis to Sediqullah Atal, Fuller in length, pitched up around off, punched away off the front foot but straight to mid off.

11.4: Nathan Ellis to Sediqullah Atal, Good carry on that one! Bowled on a hard length on off and this one angles away with some extra bounce, Atal looks to hit it through covers but is well beaten.

11.3: Nathan Ellis to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length, slanting it into the pads, Zadran looks to flick but gets an inside edge off the pads and the ball rolls to leg gully. They pick up another single.

11.2: Nathan Ellis to Ibrahim Zadran, Pitched-up delivery on off, Ibrahim Zadran leans forward and drives it away wide of mid off and picks up a brace.

11.1: Nathan Ellis to Sediqullah Atal, Nagging length on off, angling across, Atal edges it down with soft hands towards deep third and turns the strike over.

10.6: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Hard length in the channel, Sediq hangs back and just nudges it down late through the third region for another single.

10.5: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, Drop and run! Good length, around the top of off, Zadran leans on and just bunts it out in front of covers before scampering through for one, good running.

10.4: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, Floated up, a bit full and around off, Zadran stays put and looks to play on the up but mistimes it back to the bowler.

10.3: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, Just back of a length and over leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it off the body and through backward square leg before picking up a couple of runs more.

10.2: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Pitches it up again but this time in the channel outside off, Atal opens the bat face and caresses it through cover-point for a single.

10.1: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! Johnson has been all over the place! Full and straying down the leg side, all Sediqullah Atal has to do is get some bat on it and the ball races down to fine leg for a boundary.

Powerplay 2! The field can now spread as 4 fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle but the Aussies might look to attack for a couple of more overs.

9.6: Nathan Ellis to Ibrahim Zadran, Ends with a full ball, around off, Ibrahim Zadran comes forward and blocks it towards mid off.

9.5: Nathan Ellis to Ibrahim Zadran, Slightly fuller than the previous on, and touch outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to punch it away but gets a thick inside edge onto the pads.

9.4: Nathan Ellis to Ibrahim Zadran, BEATEN! On a good length, on the fourth stump, a hint of outswing, Ibrahim Zadran has a poke at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

9.3: Nathan Ellis to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! TOP SHOT! Hard length, and outside off, offering width, Ibrahim Zadran stands tall and extends his arms to slap it away towards sweeper cover for a boundary.

9.2: Nathan Ellis to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length and outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to cut it but misses. 

9.1: Nathan Ellis to Sediqullah Atal, 50 up for Afghanistan! Back of a length, around off, Atal waits for it and drops it down wide of cover for an easy single.

9.1: Nathan Ellis to Sediqullah Atal, WIDE! Starts with a slower ball, fuller, but down the leg side, Sediqullah Atal lifts his back leg and looks to flick it but misses. Called a wide.

Nathan Ellis comes in as the first bowling change.

8.6: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Hard length and outside off, going away with the angle, Sediqullah Atal stands tall and cuts it hard towards backward point for a single.

8.5: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Short of a length, around off, Sediqullah Atal adjusts well as he goes back and opens the face of the bat to drop it down to cover point.

8.4: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Corrects his line and length, goes fuller and around off, Sediqullah Atal looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto the pads and the ball rolls away back to the bowler.

8.3: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! EASY PICKINGS! Back of a length but on the pads, easy for Sediqullah Atal as he hops up a bit and just tickles it to deep fine leg for a boundary. 

8.2: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, BEATEN! Goes fuller, and outside off, shaping away, Sediqullah Atal bends his knee and looks to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge. 

8.2: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, WIDE! A low full toss, dipping in, but down the leg side, Sediqullah Atal looks to flick it away but misses. Called a wide.

8.1: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, Starts with a full ball, around off, Ibrahim Zadran comes forward and drives it wide of mid off for a quick single.

7.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, A bit slower, in the line of the stumps, fuller as well, Sediqullah Atal defends it with the full face of the bat. 

7.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Lands it fuller, around off, Sediqullah Atal takes out his front leg forward and opens the face of the bat to drive but its goes through the outer half of the bat in the gap towards backward point for a couple of runs.

7.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length, around off, Ibrahim Zadran gets surprised by the extra bounce but manages to guide it to deep third man for a single.

7.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Ibrahim Zadran, Nagging length, around off, Zadran comes forward and drops it down back to the bowler.

7.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! TOP SHOT! Pitched up, and well outside off, gives width, Ibrahim Zadran transfers his weight to the front foot and drives it aerially through the point region for a boundary.

7.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, On a good length, and touch outside off, Sediqullah Atal opens the face of the bat and steers it to deep third for a single. 

6.6: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, Ends with a short-of-a-length ball, around off, Ibrahim Zadran leaves it alone. 

6.5: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Good chase by Alex Carey! Lands it full again, and well outside off, Sediqullah Atal prods forward, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it on the up in the extra cover region. Carey gives it a chase and restricts the batter to three runs.

6.4: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Short of a length, around off, Sediqullah Atal looks to pull it but it gets big on him because of the extra bounce and he misses. 

6.3: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR! GLORIOUS! Johnson goes fuller, overpitched, well outside off, Sediqullah Atal comes forward and creams his drive in the big gap towards extra cover for a boundary.

6.3: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, WIDE! Bangs in short of a length but down the leg side, coming in with the angle, Sediqullah Atal looks to tickle it but misses. Called a wide.

6.2: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, Slightly fuller but on the pads again, easy for Zadran as he tucks it wide of mid-wicket and runs off for a quick single.

6.1: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, On a good length, around leg, Ibrahim Zadran drops it down to mid-wicket.

5.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, BEATEN! Full and outside off, seaming away, Sediqullah Atal looks to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

5.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Keeps it fuller, just outside off, Atal comes forward and defends it back to the bowler.

5.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, A CHANCE? No, it just falls down ahead of his fingertips. Back of a length, in the channel, seaming away, Sediqullah Atal comes forward and pokes at it as it takes the outside edge and goes towards the first slip fielder where Matthew Short stays low and extends his arms to catch it but the ball drops down just ahead of his fingertips. 

5.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, SWING AND A MISS! Goes slightly fuller and well outside off, shaping away, Sediqullah Atal takes his front leg forward and looks to slog it down the ground but gets beaten on the outside edge.

5.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Hard length, on top of off, Sediqullah Atal dabs it to backward point. 

5.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Ibrahim Zadran, A tight single! On a good length, around off, Zadran comes forward and pushes it to mid off and runs off for a quick single.

4.6: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, Pitched up and on leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it towards short mid-wicket for a quick run.

4.5: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, On a length and on middle, Sediqullah Atal nudges it towards square leg for a run.

4.4: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, That's just unplayable! Spencer Johnson goes fuller this time, on off. Sediqullah Atal uses his feet but does not take into the account the away movement. Once again it zips past the outside edge.

4.3: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Short of a length and around off, takes off viciously and moves away, Sediqullah Atal plays inside the line of it as it goes to the keeper.

4.2: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Excellent bowling! Back of a length and on off, holds its line this time, Sediqullah Atal tries to play at it but the ball just goes past the outside edge.

4.1: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, Hard length and around leg, Ibrahim Zadran clips it through backward square leg for a single.

3.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, A beauty to end the over! Pulls his length back a bit, on off, shaping away Sediqullah Atal strides out to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.

3.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Overpitched and on off, Sediqullah Atal looks to drive but gets a bottom edge towards mid on.

3.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Good length and around leg, Sediqullah Atal flicks it over square leg for a couple of runs.

3.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, On a length and around off, Sediqullah Atal guides it to point.

3.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Pitched up and just outside off, Sediqullah Atal goes after it but fails to connect.

3.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Fuller one and on middle, Sediqullah Atal knocks it back to the bowler.

2.6: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, Play and a miss! Goes back to his fuller length and on off, goes with the angle. Ibrahim Zadran tries to drive it on the up but the ball zips past the outside edge. End of an eventful over!

2.5: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, On a length and on off, Sediqullah Atal taps it towards short covers for a single.

2.4: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Touch fuller and around off, shapes away this time, Sediqullah Atal looks to drive but misses.

2.4: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, FIVE WIDES! Spencer Johnson is struggling with his line a bit! Pitched up and down the leg this time, shapes further in. Sediqullah Atal fails to glance it away and once again Josh Inglis has no chance as the ball races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

2.3: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, FOUR BYES! Wow..that moved a long way! Spencer Johnson hits the length hard and around off, hits the deck and nips back in sharply and late as well. Sediqullah Atal tries to push it away but gets beaten on the inside edge. Josh Inglis puts in a full-length dive to his right but has no chance of stopping that from going to the boundary.

2.3: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Good length and around middle and leg, angling in, Sediqullah Atal misses his flick. Wided.

2.2: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, Full again and on middle, Ibrahim Zadran knocks it towards mid on for a single.

2.1: Spencer Johnson to Ibrahim Zadran, Oh..that's a jaffa! Spencer Johnson goes fuller and on middle, threatens to shape in but angles away. Ibrahim Zadran looks to drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

1.6: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Overpitched and on off, Sediqullah Atal pushes it towards covers where Marnus Labuschagne fumbles a bit to allow the second run. First runs off the bat for Afghanistan.

1.5: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, BEATEN! Fuller in length and just on the sixth stump line. Sediqullah Atal gets drawn forward but the ball swings away from the outside edge.

1.4: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Pitched up and around off, Sediqullah Atal drills it towards point.

1.3: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Targets the stumps this time, fuller and on middle, Sediqullah Atal steers it towards point.

1.2: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, Good length and just outside off, shapes away again, Sediqullah Atal leaves it alone.

1.1: Ben Dwarshuis to Sediqullah Atal, BEAUTY! Ben Dwarshuis begins with a hard-length delivery in that channel outside off, shapes away. Sediqullah Atal has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Ben Dwarshuis.

0.6: Spencer Johnson to Sediqullah Atal, Hard length and on leg, Sediqullah Atal fails to work it away as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. Another leg bye. No runs from the bat, 4 extras and a wicket from the first over!

Sediqullah Atal walks in early at number yet again.

0.5: Spencer Johnson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Spencer Johnson, you beauty! Australia strikes early and Rahmanullah Gurbaz's poor run in this tournament continues. This one is bowled right in the blockhole, on off, swings inwards in the air sharply at pace. Gurbaz is a bit late to put his bat down in time and the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. The Afghan stands for a few seconds in disbelief but has to walk back. Afghanistan are 3/1!

0.4: Spencer Johnson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short of a length and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays back and blocks it out.

0.3: Spencer Johnson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pitched up and well outside off, angling away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz offers no shot at it.

0.2: Spencer Johnson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Goes a bit fuller and around off, shaping further away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz comes down the track again but leaves it alone. Josh Inglis dives to his right but it moves away from him and goes straight to first slip.

0.2: Spencer Johnson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length but down the leg side, Rahmanullah Gurbaz fails to glance it away. Wided.

0.1: Spencer Johnson to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan are underway with extras! Spencer Johnson starts with a good-length delivery, on middle, shaping in. Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses his feet to flick it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards deep square leg. Gurbaz takes on the fielder and comes back for the second leg bye. Positive intent right from the start!

Done and dusted with the pre-match proceedings and it is now time to play! The two umpires are already out on the field of play and so are the Australian players. It will be the usual duo of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz to open the innings for Afghanistan. Spencer Johnson has the new ball in hand and is ready to steam in. A couple of slips in place to begin with, let's play...

We are just a few minutes away from the start of the action and a few of the floodlights are already on. The officials will now walk out along with the mascots before the two sets of players stride out and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of Australia first, followed by that of Afghanistan.

Steve Smith, the skipper of Australia, says that they would have bowled first anyway. He talks about the reason as the weather is unpredictable, and it can create a big difference in the end. Adds that all the boys are preparing well for this good Afghanistan team as they played brilliantly against England the other night. They are looking forward to a good contest. Mentions that this game is a must-win for them and they will come out with good intent here. Informs that they are going unchanged as well.

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of Afghanistan, says that they will bat first and the wicket looks good. Adds that England and Australia have already played here and it is a slow wicket. Says that hopefully it remains the same throughout the game. Mentions that they were really happy with the win over England but they have also talked about a few things that they need to improve. Informs they are unchanged.

Australia (Unchanged XI) - Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.

Afghanistan (Unchanged XI) - Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favor of Afghanistan. Hashmatullah Shahidi opts to BAT first.