Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore. | (Credits: X)
One of the groundsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore hilariously slipped while trying to mop the pitch to ready the same for the resumption of the crucial Champions Trophy 2025 clash between Afghanistan and Australia on Friday. A video of the same surfaced on the social media platform of X.
With Afghanistan amassing a competitive total of 273, thanks to half-centuries from Azmatullah Omarzai and Sediqullah Atal, Australia got off to a flyer in their pursuit. Afghanistan also dropped two catches, especially of Travis Head, who got to 59 off 40 deliveries. By the time rain interrupted the proceedings, Australia were well on top with 109 in 12.5 overs. With the ground facilities in Lahore proving insufficient to resume the game, it had to be abandoned.
Meanwhile, below is the video of the groundstaff falling while mopping the pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium:
Australia seal their position in Champions Trophy semi-finals due to washout
The match was a must-win for both Australia and Afghanistan if they were to qualify for the semi-finals. However, Australia had three points under their belt, thanks to their victory over England and a washout against South Africa. However, Afghanistan had beaten only England suffered a 107-run defeat to the Proteas, which also meant that their net run-rate took a hit.
The washout on Friday meant that Australia now has four points, sealing their qualification to the semi-finals. South Africa remain in pole position to qualify for the top four and will play their final group game against England, who are out of the race.
