Afghanistan scripted yet another historic moment in their cricketing journey by knocking England out of the Champions Trophy with a thrilling eight-run victory at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. It was a statement win for the Afghan side, which had already stunned England in the ODI World Cup last year. This time, their triumph carried even more significance, eliminating the defending champions from the tournament and keeping their own semi-final hopes alive.
Ibrahim Zadran played a sensational innings, smashing 177 off 146 balls, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. His innings were laced with 12 boundaries and six towering sixes, ensuring that Afghanistan posted a formidable total. He was well supported by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who contributed a composed 40 off 67 balls. The duo built a crucial partnership that set the stage for a strong finish.
Towards the end of the innings, Afghanistan’s batting charge was further propelled by Azmatullah Omarzai and the experienced Mohammad Nabi. Omarzai used the long handle to great effect, hammering 41 off 31 balls, while Nabi rolled back the years with a blistering 40 off just 24 deliveries. Their aggressive knocks helped Afghanistan surge past the 300-run mark despite England’s late wickets.
England’s chase started on a shaky note, losing Phil Salt and Jamie Smith early with only 30 runs on the board. Ben Duckett and Joe Root attempted to stabilize the innings, adding 68 runs before Rashid Khan trapped Duckett in front using the DRS. Harry Brook provided a brief spark with his 25-run cameo, but Mohammad Nabi’s brilliance saw him depart, caught and bowled.
Jos Buttler, England’s captain, played a few eye-catching strokes, hitting two sixes in his 38-run knock. However, just when England looked to rebuild, Omarzai struck again, sending Buttler back to the pavilion. Meanwhile, Joe Root stood firm, displaying his class and determination. Battling through fitness issues, he played a lone warrior’s knock, reaching his hundred off 98 balls. His innings of 120 off 111 balls, decorated with 11 fours and a six, gave England a fighting chance.
But Afghanistan refused to relent. Omarzai continued his dream match, dismissing Root in the 46th over at a crucial juncture. With the required run rate mounting, England’s tailenders faltered under pressure. Omarzai fittingly claimed his fifth wicket, removing Adil Rashid, to seal Afghanistan’s memorable victory. England were bowled out for 317, falling just short despite Root’s valiant effort.
This victory marks another milestone in Afghanistan’s rapid rise in international cricket. Having reached the semi-finals of the Men’s T20 World Cup last year, they now have a golden opportunity to make a similar impact in the Champions Trophy. Their remarkable performance against England once again highlights their growing stature in world cricket, proving that they are no longer underdogs but serious contenders on the big stage.
