ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Afghanistan VS England Played at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on 26 February 2025
Afghanistan 325/7 (Ibrahim Zadran 177, Azmatullah Omarzai 41, Mohammad Nabi 40, Hashmatullah Shahidi 40, Jofra Archer 3/64, Liam Livingstone 2/28)
England 317 All Out in 49.5 Overs (Joe Root 120, Jos Buttler 38, Ben Duckett 38, Jamie Overton 32, Harry Brook 25, Amatullah Omarzai 5/38, Mohammad Nabi 2/37)
Afghanistan won by 8 Runs
Player of the Match: Ibrahim Zadran.
Afghanistan played superlative all-round cricket, edging past England in a must-win match of Group B in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The
Afghans had suffered a heavy defeat against South Africa in their opening game, while England, despite scoring 351/5, was overpowered by Australia. With the Australia-South Africa match being washed out due to rain, the clash between Afghanistan and England became a do-or-die encounter. Afghanistan’s victory kept them alive in the tournament, while England's loss resulted in their elimination.
Batting first after winning the toss on a flat, batting-friendly wicket, Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 325/7, propelled by a record-breaking 177 from flamboyant opener Ibrahim Zadran. England, desperate for a win, fought back with a brilliant 120 from Joe Root but ultimately fell short, managing 317 all out. The indomitable Afghans secured a thrilling eight-run victory, keeping their semifinal hopes alive. They will now face Australia in Lahore to decide the semifinalist, while South Africa will take on England in the other match.
Afghanistan rarely plays against top-ranked teams in bilateral series, but whenever they get an opportunity in global tournaments—be it T20 or ODI—they make their presence felt. The way they recovered from 39/3, rallying around the fearless, free-stroking Ibrahim Zadran, who smashed 12 fours and six monumental sixes, was a lesson in resilience. England’s bowlers struggled to find answers as Zadran, Omarzai, Hashmatullah, and Nabi dismantled their attack. Mark Wood and Jofra Archer bowled with pace and aggression, but the composed Zadran remained unfazed. His innings were a blend of grace and power, with smart strike rotation in the middle overs and ruthless punishment of loose deliveries. England’s captain constantly rotated his bowlers, but they failed to contain the flow of runs. His options further dwindled when Mark Wood got injured, leaving the part-timers to bear the brunt of Afghanistan’s relentless attack. Zadran’s innings of 177 set a new record for the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history, surpassing Ben Duckett’s 165 against Australia earlier in the tournament. Afghanistan’s total of 325/7 could have been even higher had Zadran and Nabi not fallen to Livingstone in the final over while attempting to accelerate.
England’s innings also started disastrously, with Phil Salt and Jamie Smith falling early. However, on the easy-paced surface, England’s strong batting lineup seemed on course for victory, led by Joe Root’s magnificent 120 and supported by Jos Buttler (38), Ben Duckett (38), Jamie Overton (32), and Harry Brook (25). But Afghanistan, throwing everything into their defense, took wickets at regular intervals. Azmatullah Omarzai bowled brilliantly, claiming 5 wickets for just 38 runs, while veteran Mohammad Nabi chipped in with 2 wickets for 37 runs. England fought hard but was bowled out for 317 with one ball to spare, handing Afghanistan a remarkable eight-run win.
Afghanistan’s incredible performance has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Though they may not go all the way, their bravery has already left a lasting impact. England, despite scoring 351 and 317 in back-to-back matches, found themselves knocked out of the tournament.
Choosing the Player of the Match was no easy task between Ibrahim Zadran (177 runs) and Azmatullah Omarzai (41 runs and 5/38). Ultimately, Zadran’s record-breaking innings prevailed.
Well done, Afghanistan! The sky is the limit for this fearless Afghan team.
BDST: 0930 HRS, FEB 27, 202
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