Afghanistan knocked England out of the Champions Trophy 2025 with an exhilarating 8-run win, thanks to Ibrahim Zadran’s 177 runs and Azmatullah Omarzai’s five wickets. England, struggling throughout the match, was unable to chase down the target of 326 runs. This victory puts Afghanistan in a position to qualify for the knockouts, contingent on their next match against Australia, while England faces elimination.
Afghanistan emerged victorious against England in a thrilling Champions Trophy 2025 match, winning by 8 runs. Ibrahim Zadran’s outstanding performance, scoring 177 runs off 146 balls, and Azmatullah Omarzai’s impactful bowling with a five-wicket haul (5/58) were crucial in this victory. Despite Joe Root’s impressive century of 120 runs, England couldn’t chase down the target and were bowled out for 317 with one ball remaining.
Afghanistan’s triumph secured them two points in the tournament. They now face a critical match against Australia, needing a win to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive. England, on the other hand, has lost both of their matches in this group stage, leaving them on the verge of elimination and needing a win against South Africa in their final game.
The match saw England’s innings struggle early, losing two wickets quickly, with notable partnerships formed later that kept them in contention. However, Root’s dismissal marked a shift in momentum, and although Jamie Overton supported him with 32 runs, it wasn’t enough to save England from defeat.
Initially, Afghanistan struggled after electing to bat, losing early wickets to Jofra Archer, who took 3/64. Zadran, alongside Hashmatullah Shahidi and others, stabilized the innings, contributing significantly to their total of 325. As Zadran reached his sixth ODI century, England collapsed in the final overs, conceding large sums of runs that ultimately cost them the match.
In summary, Afghanistan’s remarkable win against England by 8 runs in the Champions Trophy highlights their resilience and skill. Zadran’s century and Omarzai’s bowling were instrumental in securing this crucial victory, while England’s disappointing performance raises questions about their chances of advancing in the tournament. With one match remaining for both teams, the stakes are high as Afghanistan seeks to qualify for the next round.
Original Source: www.news18.com
