Lahore, Feb. 28 -- Australia secured their place in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy after their crucial group-stage encounter against Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain on Friday.
Chasing a target of 274, Australia had reached 109 for 1 in 12.5 overs before wet outfield forced the match to be called off.
The washout leaves Afghanistan's semifinal hopes hanging by a thread. They will now rely on England to defeat South Africa by a significant margin on Saturday in order to advance.
After restricting Afghanistan to 273 in 50 overs, Australia began their chase in commanding fashion. Openers Matthew Short (20 off 15) and Travis Head (59* off 40) provided a brisk start before Short was dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai. Captain S...