Afghanistan Vs Australia, Lahore Weather Today: Will rain disrupt AUS vs AFG Clash? Who gains the most?

Afghanistan Vs Australia, Lahore Weather Forecast: The whole world will be glued to their television screens as Afghanistan takes on Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday. Hashmatullah Shahidi's side are on the brink of scripting another chapter in their cricketing history as they look to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy if they can beat the Aussies today.

However, Afghanistan's hopes face two challenges: an Australian side that has shown that they are not to be taken lightly and the weather conditions in Lahore.

Two matches in the tournament have already been washed out due to rain— Australia vs South Africa and Pakistan vs Bangladesh. With rain forecast for today's game, things don't look too good for the Afghans. 

Lahore weather report

According to Accuweather, there is a 34% chance of rain in Lahore by 11am today. However, the good news is that the forecast improves as the day progresses, with chances of rain dropping to 29% by 12 pm, 20% by 1pm and 13% by 6 pm.

It's clear skies at the moment at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore, the chances of rainfall have dropped to about 25% and the toss is all set to be held in another couple of minutes. 

Gaddafi stadium pitch report: 

“Chances of reducing by the minute to about 25% chance of rainfall and the wind, that's about 17 kilometers per hour blowing across the ground, which keeps it nice and cool now” Ian Bishop told the broadcasters. 

There is a 73-meter boundary to the left of the right hander and a 64-meter boundary to their right, meaning there is a 9-meter difference on both ends. 

Afghanistan vs Australia toss: 

Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bat first at Gaddafi Stadium. Australia skipper Steve Smith, with the unpredictable going on, doesn't mind bowling first.

What if there is a washout in today's Champion's Trophy 2025 clash?

As things stand, Australia and South Africa are currently the top two teams in the Group B points table of the Champions Trophy. If the match is washed out today, Australia and Afghanistan both will get a point each, taking them to 4 and 3 points, respectively. Meaning, Afghanistan will be out of the semi-finals race while Aussies fly through.

An evenly matched contest awaits

Afghanistan have long been considered the underdogs of world cricket, but their victory over England showed that the Asian side are no longer to be taken lightly. 

Afghanistan were firing on all cylinders as a team in the last match, with Ibrahim Zadran providing the impetus with a brilliant 177-run knock, Azmatullah Omarzai shining with his 5-wicket haul, and skipper Shahidi managing his resources brilliantly.

Meanwhile, Australia are also missing the services of many key players, including full-time skipper Pat Cummins, pacers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, and all-rounders Marcus Stoinis (early retirement) and Mitchell Marsh.

Australia's pace attack is weak, sharing just 58 wickets between them, and their middle-order batting can be exploited by the opposition, setting up a thrilling contest in Lahore today.