Unconventional techniques employed to dry cricket pitches in a bid to resume play are not a recent phenomenon. From the utilization of pedestal fans and hair dryers to the burning of haystacks, various venues worldwide have witnessed a range of methods. During the Afghanistan vs Australia ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group B match on Saturday (February 28), the groundstaff at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore introduced a novel approach by employing large moppers to remove water from the covers.

As Australia pursued a target of 274 runs at Gaddafi Stadium, they had reached 109-1 in 12.5 overs when heavy rain interrupted the match. The ground was promptly covered, but the intense rainfall resulted in significant water accumulation on the covers. After a two-hour delay, the rain ceased, prompting the groundstaff to take urgent measures to dry the pitch, including the use of giant moppers to clear the water.

During this process, one of the groundstaff members lost their footing and fell. This incident was captured by broadcasters JioStar, where former Indian cricketer Abhimanyu Mukund remarked on the resemblance to curling. "I have seen this sport. I think it's curling," he noted. "In addition to curling, we are also witnessing some falls," quipped former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar.

The broadcast then shifted to the Australian dressing room, where players and support staff appeared bemused by the unfolding events on the field.

All the efforts bore very little fruit as the umpires decided that the conditions were not suited for play to resume. The match was called off. PCB received a lot of flak on social media for poor infrastructure and drainage facilities at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Australia in semis, Afghanistan need favour from England

Australia advanced to the semi-finals with a total of four points. Afghanistan, currently holding three points from two matches, requires England to secure a significant victory over South Africa in Karachi on Saturday to have a chance of qualifying for the final four based on net run-rate.

Afghanistan's net run-rate stands at -0.99, which is less favourable compared to South Africa's 2.14, despite Afghanistan's recent triumph over former world champions England by eight runs in Lahore on Wednesday.

Australia appeared to be in a strong position to meet the target, with opener Travis Head remaining not out at 59 from 40 balls, which included nine boundaries and a six.

Steve Smith was also not out on 19 after Matthew Short was dismissed for 20 runs. Afghanistan had set a total of 273 all out in 50 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat.

Sediqullah Atal scored 85 runs, while all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 67 runs as they aimed for a victory to secure a place in the semi-finals.

In overcast conditions, Afghanistan lost opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the first over to Spencer Johnson.

Ibrahim Zadran, who was instrumental in Afghanistan's victory over England in their opening match with a record Champions Trophy score of 177, added 67 runs for the second wicket with Atal before being dismissed for 22 by spinner Adam Zampa.

Atal and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who scored 20, formed a partnership of 68 runs for the fourth wicket before Australia mounted a comeback, taking four wickets for just 40 runs.

Atal's innings spanned 95 balls and featured six fours and three sixes.

At 199-7, Afghanistan faced the risk of a subpar total, but Omarzai stabilized the innings, hitting five sixes in a 63-ball innings and contributing a crucial 74 runs with the last three wickets.

Rashid Khan added a quick 19 runs off 17 balls, including two boundaries.

Ben Dwarshuis was the standout bowler for Australia, claiming 3 wickets for 47 runs. Zampa took 2 for 48, while Johnson finished with figures of 2 for 49.

Read Also: Ranji Trophy Final: Vidarbha Lose Two Early, Karun & Malewar Lead Recovery

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!