It was an appaling sight to see rain come down at the Ghadafi stadium at Lahore yesterday for just one hour at 7 p.m. and the game being abandoned due to a lack of facilities in outdoor systems .
Ghadafi stadium did not have the basics to handle an intermediate rain effected game due to poor drainage system , lack of rain covers to cover the entire playing area, and only one super swoper available at an international venue to swop water.
One hour of rain , puddles of water in the outfield that abandoned an ICC international game is appaling, to state the least.
These areas must be addressed and be a prerequisite as compulsory outdoor requirements to host an international game, especially a multi tournament under the ICC.
Let’s now dig deep into the game. Afghanistan, who stuned England at the same venue on Tuesday, selected the same, playing eleven for their all-important game against Australia, which was to decide if they get their maiden slot in a semi final in an ICC multi tournament.
For Australia, they have DNA , a ruthless attitude, immense, talent in which they do not depend on individuals, but get the job done as a team , finals, and semi finals in ICC multi tournaments for the men in Yellow is familiar territory.
Afghanistan winning the toss and batting first was predictable. Excellent pitch to set a high total because Australia are relatively lacked experience in their bowling cordon without Starc , Hazelwood, and Cummins.
Afghanistan is well known to squeeze the run flow in the mid overs between overs, number 41 to 50 with their deadly spin trio , and good toss to win and bat.
Gubraz was due for a big score undone in the very first over by Spencer Jhonson for no score timber disturbed, bad Oman.
Zadran, who made the match winning 177 against England, was out for 20 as Adam Zampa celebrated his first wicket , but Afghanistan lost the third batter in Rahmat Shah caught glove man Jos Inglis with the Afghanistan score on 91. Maxwell did well to tempt the hard-hitting right hander to play a faults stroke in throwing his willow at a back of a length off spin delivery.
The fourth wicket partnership of 68 between young sensation Attal Sediq and skipper Hasmatulla looked very impressive with Attal thumping 85 , runs opening his shoulders with exquisite strokes with great power to the ropes.
Australia missed an LBW opportunity against Attal when he was on 80 Steve Smith , the Australian captain came to the aid, pulling off a blinder at short mid wicket off a hapoy Spencer Jhonson for 85 , with Afghanistan looking still good on 159 for 4 wickets with Hasmatulla still at the wickets.
They keep stating that one brings two , and the Afghan captain become a Zampa second scalp for 20, and the worried Afghan fans are disappointed with their team looking vulnerable on 176 for 5 because giving Australia a place in your tent is bad as giving room for a camel in your tent period.
Add salt to the wound. Mohd Nabi gets run out for just one run . Flood gates seem slightly a jar with Afghanistan on 182 for 6.
Gulbadin Naib adds more worries as he becomes the first victim of Nathen Ellis, who bowled 45 % of slow deliveries from the back of his hand to give Inglis his second catch to his greedy glove with the score on 7 for 199 at the end of 40 overs.
Azmat Omarzai, remember that name ? ICC player of the year , who in his last outing against England at the same venue turned the game on its head with a five for andvscored 41 runs comes to the party smashes the Australian bowlers for 4 massive sixes, clearing the ropes by a mile bats till the 49th over makes 67 in 67 balls and adds respectability to the Afghan total of 272alk out in 50 overs.
Australia was guilty of leaking 37 extras, which they must address in the semi-final stage.
Spencer Jhonson 2 for 49 , Zampa 2 for 48 Ben Dwashus 3 for 47, and Nathen Ellis 1 for 60 bowled with intent for Australia.
When mother nature is the in born spoil sport in cricket , she ruined the game in 12.5 overs with Australia on the way to victory because they bat deep and were 109 for 1 wicket with Travis Head on 59 off 40 balls strike rate 147.5 , and Smith also unbeaten on 22 off 19 balls was great batsmanship watching while it lasted.
Australia and Afghanistan share 1 poin each , Australia qualify for the Semi Finals. Joining India and New Zealand, whilst Afghanistan is mathermaticaly in with a chance to qualify but need a Canna miracle because England has to beat South Africa by 207 runs today at Karachi, to get past the runrate of South Africa.
