The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been full of surprises, and today’s match between England and Afghanistan was no exception. Fans were treated to an exhilarating contest as Afghanistan pulled off a stunning victory against the defending champions, England. The match, played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, showcased brilliant performances from both teams, but Afghanistan emerged victorious in a game that will be remembered for years.
Afghanistan’s Commanding Batting Display
After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first and delivered a powerful batting performance. The star of the innings was young opener Ibrahim Zadran, who played an extraordinary knock of 177 runs. His innings not only anchored Afghanistan’s total but also set a new record for the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history. Zadran’s composed yet aggressive approach frustrated the English bowlers, as he punished loose deliveries and built crucial partnerships throughout the innings.
Apart from Zadran’s heroics, veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi contributed a quick 40 runs, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran played handy cameos. Afghanistan posted a challenging total of 325/7 in their 50 overs, giving their bowlers a solid platform to defend.
On the bowling side, England’s attack struggled to find consistency. Jofra Archer, despite being expensive, managed to pick up three wickets, while Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid chipped in with a wicket each. However, the bowlers failed to break crucial partnerships, allowing Afghanistan to dictate terms.
England’s Response: A Hard-Fought Chase
Chasing 326, England had a shaky start, losing early wickets to Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack. However, Joe Root once again proved his class with a magnificent century, scoring 120 runs off 108 balls. His innings kept England in the hunt, as he built partnerships with Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes.
Despite Root’s brilliance, Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerves. The turning point came when Azmatullah Omarzai dismissed Root, shifting the momentum back to Afghanistan. Omarzai was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, picking up four crucial wickets, including key dismissals at critical junctures. Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq also played their part in maintaining pressure on England’s middle order.
As the match reached its climax, England needed 15 runs off the last over with just two wickets in hand. Fazalhaq Farooqi bowled a brilliant final over, taking the last two wickets and sealing a historic 11-run victory for Afghanistan. The Afghan players erupted in celebrations as they secured one of their most significant wins in international cricket.
Afghanistan’s Road to the Semi-Finals
This victory keeps Afghanistan’s hopes alive in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With this win, they strengthen their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals, depending on the results of other matches. Their incredible performance against a top-tier team like England has sent a strong message to the cricketing world that Afghanistan is no longer an underdog but a serious contender on the global stage.
England’s Struggles Continue
For England, this defeat is a major setback. With their semi-final qualification hanging by a thread, they now rely on other teams’ results to keep their tournament hopes alive. Their batting lineup, apart from Root’s knock, failed to deliver under pressure, and their bowling lacked the discipline needed to contain Afghanistan’s aggressive batting approach.
Conclusion
Afghanistan’s victory over England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will go down as one of the greatest moments in their cricketing history. Their fearless batting, disciplined bowling, and never-give-up attitude showcased their potential as a rising powerhouse in international cricket. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Afghanistan to see if they can continue their dream run and secure a spot in the semi-finals. For England, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back in their remaining matches.
