In a thrilling encounter at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Afghanistan edged out England by eight runs in the ICC Champions Trophy, propelled by Ibrahim Zadran’s remarkable 177-run innings. This victory not only enhances Afghanistan’s prospects of reaching the semi-finals but also eliminates England from the tournament.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan amassed a formidable total of 325 for 7. Zadran’s 177, a record-breaking performance for his nation, was complemented by Azmatullah Omarzai’s brisk 41 off 31 balls. England’s bowlers, including Jofra Archer, who secured 3 for 64, struggled to contain the Afghan batsmen, conceding 113 runs in the final ten overs.
In response, England’s chase was anchored by Joe Root’s valiant 120. Despite his efforts, the team faltered as wickets tumbled at crucial junctures. Captain Jos Buttler contributed 38 runs before falling to Omarzai, whose exceptional performance with the ball yielded figures of 5 for 58. The match culminated dramatically with England bowled out for 317 in 49.5 overs.
This defeat marks England’s third consecutive early exit from a major ICC tournament under Buttler’s leadership, following previous disappointments in the 2023 ODI and 2024 T20 World Cups. The loss has intensified scrutiny over Buttler’s captaincy, with former cricketing figures suggesting a potential change in leadership to rejuvenate the team’s performance.
Afghanistan’s triumph underscores their growing prominence in international cricket, showcasing their ability to compete fiercely against established teams. As the tournament progresses, Afghanistan’s spirited performances continue to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
