Champions Trophy: Sediqullah Atal shines with 85 vs Australia
What's the story
Sediqullah Atal, a rising star from Afghanistan, has been making waves in the cricket world with his impressive batting skills. The young talent showcased his batting prowess against Australia in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Atal, who arrived at number three, brilliantly tackled the Aussie bowlers. He, however, missed out on his second ODI ton, having been dismissed for 85.
Knock
Atal recorded two 60-plus stands
Atal arrived in the very first over as opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz bagged a five-ball duck. The former's solid technique and composure was on display as he rebuilt the innings with a 67-run stand with Ibrahim Zadran (22). Atal was also involved in a 68-run partnership with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (20) which took the Afghan team past 150. Spencer Johnson eventually ended his stay in the 32nd over.
Stats
Third 50-plus score in the format
Atal smoked six fours and three maximums en route to his 95-ball 85. He also brought up his half-century with a maximum. Playing his ninth ODI, he has raced to 335 runs at 41.87. The tally includes two fifties and a ton. It was an important knock for him as Atal's prior scores in the tournament were 4 and 16. This was his maiden outing against the Aussies.
Information
Atal registers this record
As per ESPNcricinfo, Atal's 85 is now the second-highest individual score by an Afghanistan batter against the Aussies in international cricket. He is only behind Ibrahim Zadran, who made 129* in the 2023 ODI World Cup match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.