Afghanistan secured a historic win against England, knocking them out of the Champions Trophy by eight runs. Ibrahim Zadran played a pivotal role with a score of 177, while Azmatullah Omarzai’s five wickets helped seal the victory. Despite a century from Joe Root, England finished their innings at 317 all out, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.
On Wednesday, Afghanistan achieved a historic victory by eliminating England from the Champions Trophy with a narrow eight-run win. Joe Root’s remarkable century of 120 runs proved insufficient as Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran scored an impressive 177. The match showcased crucial contributions from pacer Azmatullah Omarzai, who took five wickets, pivotal in England’s downfall, leaving them without a win after two matches in the tournament.
Afghanistan’s batting lineup scored 325 for seven after being put to bat first. Zadran’s stellar innings included 12 fours and six sixes, with significant partnerships, including a 103-run build-up with Hashmathullah Shahidi and a rapid 111-run collaboration with Mohammed Nabi. England’s bowlers struggled, especially Jofra Archer, who claimed three wickets but could not contain the Afghan batting onslaught.
England began their chase shakily, losing early wickets, falling to 30 for two, and ultimately finishing with 317 all out just one ball remaining. Root’s innings provided some stability, particularly during his partnerships with Duckett and Buttler, but the constant loss of wickets meant he couldn’t secure victory.
Zadran repaired the initial damage after Afghanistan lost early wickets. He partnered with Shahidi for a solid rebuilding effort before accelerating the scoring rate, showing his ability to shift gears in the middle overs. Even after losing his partners, Zadran maintained his aggressive approach, culminating in his sixth ODI hundred.
The match transitioned to a dramatic final over, with England needing eight runs to win, but Omarzai secured England’s final wickets, thus sending Afghanistan to an important win. For England, the defeat resulted in the end of their Champions Trophy campaign, putting them in a precarious position as they prepare for their last group match against South Africa.
Afghanistan’s victory against England marks a significant achievement in the Champions Trophy, showcasing their growing prowess in international cricket. Key performances by Zadran and Omarzai were instrumental in this win, highlighting Afghanistan’s talent and determination. Meanwhile, England’s exit from the tournament emphasizes their struggles this season, raising questions about their team’s form this year.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
