Afghanistan secured an eight-run victory against England in the Champions Trophy, led by Ibrahim Zadran’s 177 runs and Azmatullah Omarzai’s five wickets. Despite Joe Root’s century for England, they were bowled out for 317, eliminating them from the tournament. This marks Afghanistan’s second ODI win over England in a row, following their previous success in the 2023 World Cup.
In a thrilling Champions Trophy match, Afghanistan defeated England by eight runs, significantly impacting England’s chances of advancing. Opener Ibrahim Zadran scored an impressive 177 runs, leading Afghanistan to a total of 325-7. Fast bowler Azmatullah Omarzai contributed with five wicket dismissals, bowling England out for 317 in 49.5 overs, culminating in Afghanistan’s second consecutive ODI victory over England after their earlier shock win in the 2023 World Cup.
Zadran, 23, played a stellar innings with 177 runs off 146 balls, breaking his previous highest ODI score of 162 and setting a new tournament record. This innings featured 12 fours and six sixes, demonstrating his commanding performance. His partnership of 103 runs with Hashmatullah Shahidi (40) helped stabilize the innings after a rocky start at 37-3. A subsequent partnership of 111 runs with Mohammad Nabi, who scored 40 off 24 balls, further solidified Afghanistan’s total.
Despite being affected by calls for boycotts over human rights issues in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, the team chose to bat first, looking to recover from their earlier loss to South Africa. England’s chase began poorly, losing early wickets, including Jamie Smith to Mohammad Nabi and Ben Duckett to Rashid Khan. Joe Root’s century of 120 runs was a bright spot for England, but they struggled to maintain momentum against Afghanistan’s relentless bowling attack.
Mark Wood’s injury limited England’s bowling options, hindering their performance during crucial overs. Afghanistan kept mounting pressure with dot balls and wickets at regular intervals, including the critical dismissal of Root by Omarzai, who managed to take crucial wickets during the tense final overs, including dismissing Jofra Archer late in the innings.
Ultimately, England’s failure to secure the necessary runs led to their exit from the tournament, marking them as the third team eliminated, following Pakistan and Bangladesh. Afghanistan’s remarkable performance not only ensured their survival in the tournament but also solidified their growing status in international cricket.
Afghanistan’s triumph over England was marked by exceptional performances from Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai. Zadran’s record-breaking innings and Omarzai’s key wickets highlighted Afghanistan’s resilience and strategic prowess. England’s loss cements their exit from the tournament, underscoring their struggles in the competition.
Original Source: www.iosconews.com
