In a thrilling encounter at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan delivered a historic performance to defeat England by eight runs, effectively knocking them out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. This victory marks Afghanistan's growing stature in international cricket, highlighting their ability to compete against the world's top teams.
Ibrahim Zadran's Heroic Century Leads Afghanistan to a Strong Total
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted an imposing total of 325/7 in 50 overs. The innings was built on a magnificent 177-run knock by opener Ibrahim Zadran, one of the highest individual scores in the tournament’s history. Zadran's disciplined approach, coupled with his aggressive stroke play, kept England on the back foot throughout the innings.
Hashmatullah Shahidi (40) and Mohammad Nabi (40) provided crucial middle-order support, ensuring Afghanistan reached a competitive total. England's bowlers struggled to contain the Afghan batsmen, with only Adil Rashid (3/55) making a significant impact.
England's Chase Falls Short Despite Root's Century
Chasing a stiff target of 326, England’s batting lineup suffered early setbacks as Phil Salt and Jamie Smith were dismissed cheaply during the powerplay. Joe Root played a lone warrior’s role, scoring a valiant 120 off 111 balls – his first ODI century since 2019.
Despite Root's resistance, England failed to build meaningful partnerships. Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Azmatullah Omarzai (4/46), continuously applied pressure. The turning point of the match came when Omarzai dismissed Root, effectively sealing England's fate.
Afghanistan’s Rise and England’s Decline
Afghanistan’s victory not only secured their place in the semi-finals but also reinforced their growing dominance in international cricket. Under head coach Jonathan Trott, whose contract was recently extended until 2025, Afghanistan has achieved remarkable milestones, including reaching the semi-finals of the Twenty20 World Cup and securing landmark wins over cricketing giants.
On the other hand, England's early exit raises serious concerns about their ODI form and tournament strategies. This loss adds to a series of underwhelming performances in ICC events, prompting discussions about potential team restructuring ahead of the next global competition.
A Defining Moment in Cricket History
Afghanistan’s triumph over England is more than just a victory; it signifies a shift in the global cricketing landscape. As Afghanistan continues to rise as a formidable team, England faces crucial decisions about its future direction. This match will be remembered as a defining moment in the sport, proving that Afghanistan is no longer an underdog but a force to be reckoned with.