LAHORE: Rain may disrupt the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 high stakes match of Australia vs Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. A washout will send Australia to the semi-finals, while Afghanistan will rely on England’s performance against South Africa.
The forecast predicts a high of 66°F, with a RealFeel of 65°F and a RealFeel Shade of 63°F. The morning will bring heavy showers, followed by cool weather and variable clouds. The UV index will reach four, indicating moderate exposure.
Winds from the southeast will blow at 8 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. Rainfall is expected to total 0.18 inches, with a 71% chance of precipitation. Thunderstorm probability stands at 18%. Rain may last for two hours, keeping cloud cover around 63%.
Afghanistan must win to stay in the tournament. A loss will eliminate them. Australia also needs a win. If they lose, they must hope for a heavy South African defeat against a struggling England. A washout will ensure Australia’s place in the semi-finals.
Australia and Afghanistan have faced high-pressure ICC clashes before. In the 2022 T20 World Cup, Australia won by six runs but failed to boost their net run rate and exited early. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Glenn Maxwell’s double century secured a stunning win for Australia. But Afghanistan struck back in the 2024 T20 World Cup, defeating Australia by 21 runs to reach the semi-finals.
Afghanistan lost their Champions Trophy opener to South Africa in Karachi. However, they bounced back with a thrilling win over England in Lahore on Tuesday, eliminating them from the tournament.
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Batting first, Afghanistan scored 325/7. Ibrahim Zadran led with a brilliant 177 off 146 balls. England fell short by eight runs, getting bowled out for 317. Azmatullah Omarzai turned the game with a five-wicket haul.
