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Afghanistan stunned England in a nail-biting ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, with a narrow eight-run victory, keeping their semi-final hopes alive while eliminating England from the tournament. The win was powered by a phenomenal 177-run knock from Ibrahim Zadran and a remarkable five-wicket performance from Azmatullah Omarzai.
Afghanistan Sets a Challenging Total
Afghanistan, facing a must-win situation in their bid to stay in the tournament, won the toss and chose to bat first. However, the start was far from ideal as they slipped to 37-3 in the opening nine overs. But Zadran steadied the ship, forming a crucial fourth-wicket partnership of 103 runs with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who contributed a solid 40 runs.
Zadran, 23, played a stunning knock, smashing 12 fours and six sixes in his 146-ball innings, which surpassed his previous best ODI score of 162. His knock not only set a new record for Afghanistan’s highest individual ODI score but also broke a tournament record just days after Ben Duckett’s 165 in England’s loss to Australia. Zadran’s innings was a display of class, resilience, and power, earning praise from Shahidi, who described it as “one of the best ODI innings I have ever seen.”
Zadran’s monumental knock was further supported by Mohammad Nabi, who added 40 runs off 24 balls, and the pair put on a 111-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Afghanistan finished their innings at 325-7, leaving England with a challenging total to chase.
England’s Chase Falters Despite Root’s Heroic Effort
In response, England faced early setbacks, losing two quick wickets to find themselves at 30-2. Afghanistan’s senior spinner Mohammad Nabi made an immediate impact, dismissing Jamie Smith for just nine runs with his first ball. Ben Duckett and Joe Root then combined for a 68-run partnership to stabilize the chase, but England’s batting woes continued as Duckett fell to Rashid Khan for 38.
Harry Brook showed glimpses of promise, but his dismissal for 25 to Nabi put further pressure on England. Despite the mounting pressure, Root remained calm, crafting a brilliant 120 runs off 127 balls, his first ODI century in almost five years. Root’s effort was supported by captain Jos Buttler, who struck a quick-fire 38, including two sixes. Together, Root and Buttler put on a crucial 83-run partnership, keeping England in the game.
However, Afghanistan’s bowlers maintained tight control, delivering consistent dot balls and key wickets. Omarzai, who had earlier helped Afghanistan post a competitive total, was the one to dismiss Buttler, top-edging a catch to deep square-leg, and soon after, he removed Liam Livingstone as well. Despite Root’s best efforts, including powerful boundaries with Jamie Overton, the chase started to falter.
Australia vs South Africa Match Abandoned Due to Rain
Azmatullah Omarzai’s Match-Winning Performance
As the game reached its climax, England needed 13 runs from the final six balls with just one wicket remaining. Omarzai kept his cool, conceding only four runs and dismissing Adil Rashid to seal Afghanistan’s thrilling victory. His five-wicket haul was the turning point in the match, earning him the deserved recognition as one of the match’s heroes.
Following the win, Afghanistan continued their campaign, while England’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals were dashed. England’s second consecutive loss to Afghanistan after their surprise defeat in the 2023 World Cup further emphasized Afghanistan’s rise as a formidable force in global cricket.
The Aftermath: England’s Elimination and Afghanistan’s Fight for a Semi-Final Spot
England, despite Joe Root’s remarkable effort, was eliminated from the tournament, becoming the third team after hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh to bow out. Afghanistan, meanwhile, moved closer to a semi-final spot, with their chances still alive, thanks to a composed and clinical performance in Lahore.
As Afghanistan celebrates this stunning win, they remain in the race for the semi-finals, while England will reflect on their disappointing campaign after a valiant but ultimately futile chase. The victory by Afghanistan is a testament to their resilience, with standout performances from Zadran and Omarzai securing their place in the hearts of cricket fans.
