Afghanistan’s Historic Triumph: Eliminating England from the Champions Trophy

​In a stunning turn of events at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Afghanistan delivered a significant blow to England’s campaign, securing a thrilling eight-run victory at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on February 26, 2025. This defeat not only ousted England from the tournament but also underscored Afghanistan’s rising prominence in international cricket.

Ibrahim Zadran’s Record-Breaking Innings

Afghanistan’s innings were anchored by a monumental performance from opener Ibrahim Zadran. Facing a precarious situation at 37 for three, Zadran exhibited exceptional resilience and skill, amassing 177 runs off 146 balls. His innings, comprising 12 fours and six sixes, set a new benchmark for the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, surpassing Ben Duckett’s 165 just days prior. Zadran’s partnership with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (40 runs) stabilized the innings, while late contributions from Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31 balls) and Mohammad Nabi (41 off 24 balls) propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 325 for seven. ​

England’s Response and Joe Root’s Heroics

Chasing 326, England’s innings faced early setbacks with the quick dismissals of Phil Salt and Jamie Smith, leaving the team struggling at 30 for two. Amidst the turmoil, Joe Root emerged as the linchpin of England’s chase. Demonstrating composure and technical prowess, Root crafted a masterful 120 runs from 111 deliveries, marking his 17th ODI century and his first since the 2019 World Cup. Despite Root’s valiant effort, England’s batting lineup faltered, with wickets tumbling at crucial junctures. The lack of substantial partnerships and support for Root culminated in England being bowled out for 317, falling agonizingly short by eight runs.

Azmatullah Omarzai’s All-Round Brilliance

Complementing Zadran’s batting heroics, Azmatullah Omarzai delivered a stellar performance with the ball. His disciplined bowling yielded figures of five for 58, playing a pivotal role in dismantling England’s middle and lower order. Omarzai’s crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of key players like Jos Buttler and Jamie Overton, stifled England’s momentum and were instrumental in sealing Afghanistan’s historic victory.

Implications and Reactions

This defeat marked England’s first group-stage exit from the Champions Trophy since 2006 and extended their losing streak to six consecutive ODIs. The loss has ignited discussions about leadership and strategy within the English camp, with critics questioning Jos Buttler’s captaincy and the team’s preparedness for subcontinental conditions. Former cricketers and analysts have emphasized the need for England to reassess their approach to remain competitive on the global stage.

Conversely, Afghanistan’s triumph has bolstered their prospects in the tournament, positioning them as formidable contenders for the semi-finals. The victory not only highlights Afghanistan’s growth in international cricket but also serves as a testament to their resilience and talent. As the tournament progresses, Afghanistan’s performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

The cricketing community has been abuzz with reactions to this unexpected outcome. Fans and analysts alike have taken to social media to express their astonishment and admiration for Afghanistan’s performance. Notably, former cricketer and commentator Mpumelelo Mbangwa tweeted:​Circl of CricketCrictracker

“Men’s ODI cricketer of the year, Azmatullah Omarzai, combining beautifully with Ibrahim Zadran. Amazing for Afghanistan!! #AFGvENG #ChampionsTrophy2025″​