Australia has faced a big blow before ICC Champions Trophy semifinal as opener Mathew short sustained a knee injury during match against Afghanistan at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on February 27.
The kangaroos are going to face either India or New Zealand in the semifinals for Champions Trophy tournament 2025 next week.
Australia qualified for the semifinals after their match against Afghanistan washed out in Lahore.
They were chasing the target of 274 and were at 109 after the loss of one wicket in 13th overs, when rain affected the match.
However, it couldn’t start again and both teams were awarded single points.
Earlier, Australia and South Africa match also got abandoned due to rain in Rawalpindi.
Australia is currently at the top of point table in group B with 4 points. While South Africa and Afghanistan are at second and third spot respectively after both have 3 points.
South Africa yet has to play a match against England.
The injury of Mathew short has raised concerns in the Australian camp. There are doubts about his availability for semifinal match.
Australian captain Steve Smith acknowledged that Short was struggling to walk because of injury and showed his doubts whether he will play the match or not.
The management has named Jack Fraser as replacement in case short failed to recover.
