WATCH – Champions Trophy 2025: Spencer Johnson bowls pinpoint yorker to dismiss Rahmanullah Gurbaz

WATCH – Champions Trophy 2025: Spencer Johnson bowls pinpoint yorker to dismiss Rahmanullah Gurbaz. (Photo Sourc: ICC)

Australian speedster Spencer Johnson made an early impact in the crucial Group B encounter against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The left-arm pacer produced a stunning in swinging yorker to dismiss opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a five-ball duck.

The clash is a virtual knockout match for both teams, as Afghanistan and Australia are fighting for a spot in the semi-finals. The Steve Smith-led side, with a washout game against South Africa, has a slight advantage in the standings, while Afghanistan needs a win to keep their hopes alive. Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and opted to bat first, looking to put runs on the board.

Opening the bowling, Johnson picked the wicket in the first over of the game. Despite a slightly poor start with a couple of leg-byes and a wide, the speedster on the fifth ball of the over produced an absolute cracker of a delivery.

Coming over the wicket to the right-handed batter, Johnson produced a 141 kph delivery that swung in late, sneaking through the Afghan batter’s defence. With the late movement and pace, Gurbaz was unable to get his bat down in time, with the ball crashing into the off-stump. The commentator Ian Smith described it as a “Mitchell Starc-like” delivery on air. Just like that, Gurbaz poor form with the bat continued, scoring just 16 in last two innings.

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Meanwhile, Australia has already picked the first three wickets under 20 overs, with the Afghan side still not crossing the 100-run mark. With both teams fighting for a spot in the semi-final, it will be interesting to see who soaks up the pressure well and stands tall at the end.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this news article is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and perspective. Readers are encouraged to evaluate the details thoughtfully and draw their own conclusions.

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