Champions Trophy 2025, AFG vs AUS pitch report, Lahore Stadium's key stats

The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is known for favoring batters, which could lead to a high-scoring game. Winning the toss and opting to bat first might be a strategic move.

The Champions Trophy 2025 progresses with a crucial match between Afghanistan and Australia in the 10th game of the tournament, Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to bat first at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Friday (February 28). This encounter holds significant importance for both teams as they battle for a spot in the knockout stages. Both teams are unchanged from their previous matches.  Check Afghanistan vs Australia live full scorecard here

 

Both sides are eager for a win, with Afghanistan coming off an impressive victory against England and riding a wave of confidence. Australia, following a strong performance against England and an abandoned match against South Africa, will aim for another solid showing to secure their place in the semifinals.

 

Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report:

 

Despite heavy rain yesterday, the outfield remains in excellent condition, ensuring a smooth playing surface. The weather today is cool and pleasant, with a maximum temperature of 19 degrees Celsius.

 

The rain forecast is improving by the minute, with the predicted chance of rainfall now at 25 percent. Additionally, a steady breeze is blowing across the stadium, which could play a role in swing bowling early on.

 

Ground dimensions and run-scoring history

  The ground dimensions vary significantly:

 

• 72m to the left
• 63m to the right
• 75m down the ground

These dimensions contribute to high-scoring encounters, and the pitch has lived up to expectations. So far in this tournament, teams have posted 300-plus totals in all four matches played here, signaling another potential run-fest.

 

Key to success: Controlling runs and using the surface smartly 

With batters dominating, the real challenge for captains will be in restricting opposition teams—both when setting and chasing targets.

 

Experts Ian Bishop and Matthew Hayden pointed out that Omarzai exploited the back-of-length area effectively in the last game at this venue. This length remains crucial for seamers, offering them assistance in otherwise batter-friendly conditions.

 

Lahore’s battle-tested pitch awaits another epic clash 

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has been a stage for cricketing thrillers, where fortunes swing and records tumble. Since 2022, the venue has witnessed 10 ODIs, with chasing teams triumphing in half of them, proving that no total is truly safe under the floodlights.

 

The numbers tell a story of high-scoring drama—an average first-innings score of 300, setting the stage for breathtaking battles between bat and ball. This very ground saw Australia dismantle England’s imposing 351, making a daunting chase look effortless. On the other hand, Afghanistan showcased nerves of steel, defending 325 in a heart-stopping finale, proving that resilience can outshine brute force.

     

Lahore's Gadaffi Stadium key stats 

Record	Player/Team	Performance	Opponent	Year
Highest team score	Pakistan	375/3	Zimbabwe	2015
Lowest team score	Pakistan	75 all out	Sri Lanka	2009
Highest individual score	Ijaz Ahmed	139* (84)	India	1997
Best bowling figures	Lance Klusner	6/49	Sri Lanka	—
Most runs at Gaddafi Stadium (ODIs)	Shoaib Malik	1030 runs in 22 innings	—	—
Most wickets at Gaddafi Stadium (ODIs)	Wasim Akram	23 wickets in 17 matches	—	—

 

  Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore: Average scores and toss results in ODIs

 

Average first innings score 253

Matches won after batting first 35

Matches won by chasing team 33  Check Champions Trophy 2025 points table here

 

Team	Score	Overs	RR	Inns	Opposition	Ground	Result	Match Date
Pakistan	375/3	50	7.5	1	v Zimbabwe	Lahore	won	26/05/15
Sri Lanka	357/9	50	7.14	1	v Bangladesh	Lahore	won	25/06/08
Australia	356/5	47.3		1	v England	Lahore	won	22/02/25
England	351/8	50		1	v Australia	Lahore	lost	22/02/25
Pakistan	349/4	49	7.12	2	v Australia	Lahore	won	31/03/22
Australia	348/8	50	6.96	1	v Pakistan	Lahore	lost	31/03/22
Zimbabwe	334/5	50	6.68	2	v Pakistan	Lahore	lost	26/05/15
Bangladesh	334/5	50	6.68	1	v Afghanistan	Lahore	won	03/09/23
New Zealand	330/6	50	6.6	1	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	08/02/25
England	327/4	50	6.54	1	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	10/12/05
Pakistan	322/5	50	6.44	1	v Bangladesh	Lahore	won	08/04/08
Australia	316/4	48.5	6.47	2	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	10/11/98
Pakistan	315/8	50	6.3	1	v Australia	Lahore	lost	10/11/98
Australia	313/7	50	6.26	1	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	29/03/22
South Africa	311/9	50	6.22	1	v Sri Lanka	Lahore	won	06/11/97
Sri Lanka	309/5	50	6.18	1	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	24/01/09
New Zealand	308/4	48.4	6.32	2	v South Africa	Lahore	won	10/02/25
Pakistan	308/8	50	6.16	1	v Bangladesh	Lahore	won	13/04/08
South Africa	304/6	50	6.08	1	v New Zealand	Lahore	lost	10/02/25
Bangladesh	300/8	50	6	1	v U.A.E.	Lahore	won	24/06/08
South Africa	297/5	48.1	6.16	2	v West Indies	Lahore	won	03/11/97
Pakistan	297/4	48.5	6.08	2	v Sri Lanka	Lahore	won	14/10/04
Pakistan	296/9	50	5.92	1	v Zimbabwe	Lahore	n/r	31/05/15
India	294/5	45	6.53	2	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	21/03/04
South Africa	294/5	50	5.88	1	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	18/10/07
West Indies	293/8	50	5.86	1	v South Africa	Lahore	lost	03/11/97
Pakistan	293/9	50	5.86	1	v India	Lahore	lost	21/03/04
India	293/7	50	5.86	1	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	24/03/04
Sri Lanka	293/6	50	5.86	1	v Pakistan	Lahore	lost	14/10/04
India	292/5	47.4	6.12	2	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	13/02/06
Pakistan	292/7	48	6.08	2	v New Zealand	Lahore	won	29/11/03
New Zealand	291/5	50	5.82	1	v Pakistan	Lahore	lost	29/11/03
Sri Lanka	291/8	50	5.82	1	v Afghanistan	Lahore	won	05/09/23
Sri Lanka	290/9	50	5.8	1	v U.A.E.	Lahore	won	26/06/08
Afghanistan	289	37.4	7.67	2	v Sri Lanka	Lahore	lost	05/09/23
Pakistan	288/8	50	5.76	1	v India	Lahore	lost	13/02/06
Sri Lanka	287/7	50	5.74	1	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	16/10/04
Pakistan	285	46.5	6.08	2	v England	Lahore	lost	10/12/05
Bangladesh	285/7	50	5.7	2	v Pakistan	Lahore	lost	13/04/08
Sri Lanka	281/2	40	7.02	2	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	05/11/97
Pakistan	281/5	50	5.62	1	v New Zealand	Lahore	won	06/03/96
Pakistan	281/6	50	5.62	1	v New Zealand	Lahore	won	01/12/03
Pakistan	280	49.4	5.63	1	v Sri Lanka	Lahore	lost	05/11/97
Pakistan	278/5	50	5.56	1	v New Zealand	Lahore	won	27/04/02
Pakistan	277/6	50	5.54	1	v South Africa	Lahore	won	03/10/03
South Africa	271	48	5.64	1	v Pakistan	Lahore	won	02/11/97