Afghanistan Stun England in a Thrilling Champions Trophy Clash
Lahore – Afghanistan edged past England by 8 runs in a nail-biting Group B encounter at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, securing a historic win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
After opting to bat first, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 325/7 in their allotted 50 overs, powered by a sensational innings from Ibrahim Zadran.
Ibrahim Zadran’s Heroics Lead Afghanistan to 325/7
Afghanistan’s top-order struggled early, losing three wickets for just 37 runs, as Jofra Archer struck early blows, dismissing:
✔ Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6)
✔ Sediqullah Atal (4)
✔ Rahmat Shah (4)
However, Ibrahim Zadran played a career-defining knock, scoring a brilliant 177 off 146 balls, smashing 12 fours and 6 sixes. His 103-run partnership with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40) helped Afghanistan rebuild.
Other notable contributions included:
✔ Azmatullah Omarzai – 41 runs
✔ Mohammad Nabi – 40 runs
In the final over, Zadran (177) and Nabi (40) fell while attempting to accelerate the run rate.
England’s bowling performance:
🔹 Jofra Archer – 3 wickets
🔹 Liam Livingstone – 2 wickets
🔹 Adil Rashid & Jamie Overton – 1 wicket each
England’s Chase Falls Short as Joe Root’s Century Goes in Vain
Chasing 326 for victory, England put up a valiant fight but were bowled out for 317, falling just 8 runs short.
The standout performer was Joe Root, who played a sensational knock of 120 runs, keeping England in contention. However, lack of support from other batters led to their downfall.
Key Moments of the Match
✔ Afghanistan’s early collapse at 37/3
✔ Zadran’s record-breaking 177-run knock
✔ Shahidi and Zadran’s crucial 103-run partnership
✔ Joe Root’s heroic 120-run effort for England
✔ Afghanistan’s bowlers holding their nerves to seal the win
🔹 Afghanistan vs England Champions Trophy 2025
🔹 Afghanistan historic win against England
🔹 Ibrahim Zadran century vs England
🔹 Afghanistan vs England match highlights
🔹 Joe Root 120 runs vs Afghanistan
🔸 Afghanistan vs England match report
🔸 ICC Champions Trophy 2025 latest results
🔸 England vs Afghanistan Group B clash
🔸 ICC Champions Trophy top performances
🔸 England cricket team latest news
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