Afghanistan’s cricket team achieved a narrow eight-run victory over England today at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, marking a significant moment in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The match featured outstanding performances from both teams, with Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran scoring a record-breaking 177 runs and Azmatullah Omarzai taking five wickets. Despite Joe Root’s commendable 120 runs for England, the team fell short, concluding their tournament journey.
Afghanistan elected to bat first, setting a formidable total of 325 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. Zadran’s 177, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, came from 146 balls and included 12 fours and six sixes. Azmatullah Omarzai contributed a swift 41 runs, while Mohammad Nabi added 34. England’s Jofra Archer was the leading bowler, securing three wickets for 64 runs.
In response, England’s innings was anchored by Joe Root, who amassed 120 runs off 111 balls, marking his first ODI century since 2019. Ben Duckett added 38 runs, but England’s batting lineup struggled to maintain momentum against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Omarzai’s five-wicket haul for 58 runs was instrumental in restricting England to 317 all out, sealing Afghanistan’s victory.
This defeat results in England’s elimination from the tournament, having suffered two consecutive losses. Afghanistan, with this win, keeps their semifinal aspirations alive, contingent on upcoming match outcomes. The tournament, hosted across various Pakistani cities, features eight teams divided into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals.
Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, praised his team’s performance, highlighting Zadran’s exceptional innings and Omarzai’s all-round contribution. England’s captain, Jos Buttler, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, citing inadequate support for Root and ineffective death bowling as critical factors in their defeat.
