Afghanistan stun England to seal Champions Trophy exit

English , Snippets , Sports - کھیل اور کھلاڑی , / Wednesday, February 26th, 2025

Download this post as PDF

RKI Network
Afghanistan knocked England out of the Champions Trophy with a thrilling eight-run victory in Lahore on Wednesday. Chasing 326 for victory, England fell short at 317 all out, despite Joe Root’s fighting 120, marking their second consecutive loss and eliminating them from semi-final contention. Afghanistan, meanwhile, remain in the race for the last four.
Opener Ibrahim Zadran powered Afghanistan’s innings with a record-breaking 177, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. Afghanistan, electing to bat, were struggling at 37-3 before Zadran steadied the innings with crucial partnerships—103 runs with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40) and 111 with Mohammad Nabi (40 off 24 balls). His 146-ball knock, laced with 12 fours and six sixes, broke his own record for Afghanistan’s highest ODI score.
England’s Jofra Archer struck early, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for six and reducing Afghanistan to 37-3. However, his new-ball partner Mark Wood suffered an injury after just four overs, leaving Jos Buttler with limited bowling options. Zadran capitalized, reaching his seventh ODI century and attacking England’s depleted attack. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid eventually dismissed Shahidi, and Liam Livingstone claimed Zadran’s wicket along with Nabi’s in the final over.
England’s batting faltered despite Root’s century, and Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling sealed their memorable win. The victory echoes Afghanistan’s stunning upset over England in the 2023 World Cup and keeps their semi-final hopes alive.