Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking 177-run knock
and Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul
powered Afghanistan to a historic win
Sports Desk
Lahore: Afghanistan pulled off a stunning eight-run victory over England in a thrilling ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Wednesday. Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking 177-run knock and Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul powered Afghanistan to a historic win, knocking England out of the tournament.
England’s Champions Trophy Hopes Crushed
Chasing a daunting 326-run target, England fell short, getting bowled out for 317. Joe Root fought valiantly with a 120-run knock off 111 balls, but Omarzai’s crucial breakthroughs (5/58) sealed Afghanistan’s triumph. This win keeps Afghanistan in the semi-final race while England face an early exit.
Afghanistan’s Fighting Total
Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi opted to bat first, and despite an early collapse at 37/3, the team posted a competitive 325/7 in 50 overs. Zadran led the charge with a magnificent 177 off 146 balls, featuring 12 fours and six sixes. He received solid support from Shahidi (40), Omarzai (41), and Mohammad Nabi (40), as Afghanistan finished strong.
Jofra Archer was England’s standout bowler, claiming 3/64 in 10 overs. Liam Livingstone took two wickets, while Adil Rashid and Jamie Overton chipped in with one each.
England’s Chase Falls Short
England’s innings began shakily, losing Phil Salt (12) and Jamie Smith (9) early. Ben Duckett (38) and Root stabilized the innings before Rashid Khan dismissed Duckett. Root stitched crucial partnerships with Harry Brook (25), Jos Buttler (38), and Jamie Overton (32), but Omarzai’s lethal bowling dismantled the lower order.
England needed 39 off 30 balls when Omarzai removed Root in the 46th over. Overton’s dismissal in the 48th over sealed their fate as Afghanistan scripted a historic win.
Key Performers
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan): 177 off 146 balls (12 fours, 6 sixes)
- Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan): 5/58 in 9.4 overs
- Joe Root (England): 120 off 111 balls (12 fours, 1 six)
- Jofra Archer (England): 3/64 in 10 overs
Playing XIs
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
England: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.
Afghanistan’s victory marks a significant moment in their cricket history, proving their potential on the world stage. With this win, they remain in contention for the semi-finals, while England bow out of the tournament early.
