In a dramatic turn of events at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Afghanistan delivered a stunning blow to England’s Champions Trophy campaign, sealing an eight-run victory in a high-intensity contest. The defeat saw England bow out of the tournament, extending their struggles in major ICC events, while Afghanistan celebrated another milestone victory following their World Cup triumph over the same opposition in 2023.
Zadran’s Record-Breaking Masterclass
Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by an extraordinary display of batting from Ibrahim Zadran, who scored a magnificent 177 off 146 balls. His knock not only revived Afghanistan after an early collapse but also set two major records: the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history and the highest ODI score by an Afghan batter. With Afghanistan reeling at 37 for 3, Zadran combined with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi to rebuild the innings, displaying remarkable composure and attacking intent. He reached his century in 106 balls and accelerated further, needing just 28 more deliveries to reach 150.
Despite losing Shahidi for 40, Afghanistan found additional impetus through Azmatullah Omarzai, who contributed a vital 41 off 31 balls. Zadran and Mohammad Nabi later unleashed a late assault, plundering 113 runs in the last 10 overs. England’s bowlers, particularly Jofra Archer (3 for 64), struggled to contain the onslaught as Afghanistan posted a formidable 325/7 in their 50 overs.
England’s Chase Falters Despite Root’s Century
Chasing 326, England looked in control at various stages, largely due to Joe Root’s masterful 120—his first ODI century in nearly six years. However, the chase never quite gained consistent momentum, thanks to timely wickets from Afghanistan’s bowling attack. Phil Salt got England off to a bright start but perished early, while Jamie Smith’s dismissal left them wobbling at 30 for 2. Root, however, steadied the innings alongside Ben Duckett, adding 68 crucial runs. But Duckett fell for 38, trapped LBW by Rashid Khan.
Harry Brook showed promise with a flurry of boundaries but gifted his wicket to Nabi, leaving England at 133 for 4. The partnership between Root and skipper Jos Buttler was critical, with the duo adding 83 runs. However, Buttler struggled to rotate the strike and, after finally finding some rhythm, fell to Omarzai’s short-ball trap for 38.
READ MORE: Afghanistan’s Zadran Smashes 177, Sets Record in Champions Trophy Clash Against England
With 90 runs required from the final 10 overs, England turned to the power-hitting prowess of Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer. Root, battling fatigue and the Lahore heat, managed a stunning reverse scoop for six off Fazalhaq Farooqi but soon after succumbed to a slower-ball bouncer from Omarzai.
With 39 runs needed off 25 balls, Overton and Archer took England close, but another twist followed as Overton miscued Omarzai to long-on with just 17 required from 14 balls. Mark Wood, nursing an injury, was England’s last man in, but Afghanistan held their nerve. Omarzai fittingly sealed the match by dismissing Adil Rashid, wrapping up a five-wicket haul (5 for 58) and securing one of Afghanistan’s greatest ODI victories.
England’s Fielding Woes and Afghanistan’s Tactical Brilliance
While Afghanistan’s heroics dominated the headlines, England’s struggles were equally evident. Their bowlers, despite early breakthroughs, allowed Afghanistan to regain control. Archer was England’s best performer, but he lacked support, with other seamers leaking runs in the final overs. Afghanistan, in contrast, showed tactical awareness, using spin effectively in the middle overs and applying pressure at crucial junctures.
England’s fielding also left much to be desired. Dropped catches, misfields, and tactical lapses proved costly. Captain Buttler’s own struggles with the bat reflected England’s inability to assert dominance, and their inconsistent approach with both bat and ball ultimately led to their downfall.
A New Era for Afghanistan Cricket?
For Afghanistan, this victory further cements their reputation as a rising force in international cricket. Zadran’s record-breaking innings showcased their batting depth, while Omarzai’s all-round brilliance highlighted their growing strength in both departments. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad played key supporting roles, ensuring a well-rounded performance.
The win not only propels Afghanistan into the next stage of the tournament but also sends a strong message to the cricketing world: they are no longer just an underdog story—they are contenders.
What’s Next?
With England eliminated, questions will be raised about their approach in ODI cricket. Despite possessing a star-studded lineup, their performances in ICC tournaments have been erratic, and changes may be on the horizon. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will look to carry this momentum forward, hoping to make history in the knockout stages of the Champions Trophy.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 325/7 in 50 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 177, Azmatullah Omarzai 41; Jofra Archer 3-64) bt England 317 in 49.4 overs (Joe Root 120; Azmatullah Omarzai 5-58) by 8 runs.
