Afghanistan secured a historic victory over England, eliminating the defending champions from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with an eight-run win at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. A record-breaking 177 from Ibrahim Zadran and a match-winning all-round performance from Azmatullah Omarzai powered Afghanistan to their second consecutive ICC ODI triumph over England.

Zadran’s Heroics Lead Afghanistan’s Charge

Opting to bat first, Afghanistan found themselves in early trouble at 37/3, courtesy of a fiery spell from Jofra Archer. However, opener Ibrahim Zadran anchored the innings with a stunning 146-ball 177, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history and the highest by an Afghan batter in ODIs. Zadran, supported by Hashmatullah Shahidi (40), steadied the innings before accelerating in the latter half.

The real push came in the final overs, with Azmatullah Omarzai’s quickfire 41 off 31 balls and Mohammad Nabi’s late blitz helping Afghanistan post a formidable 325/7. Zadran smashed 12 fours and six sixes, while England’s bowlers, including Archer (3/64), struggled to contain the flow of runs in the death overs.

Root’s Century in Vain as England Stumble

Chasing 326, England started briskly but suffered early setbacks. Phil Salt departed in the first over, and Jamie Smith followed soon after. Joe Root, however, played a masterclass in batting, notching up a brilliant 120—his first ODI century in nearly six years. Alongside Ben Duckett (38) and Harry Brook (34), he kept England in the hunt.

Despite a struggling Jos Buttler (38), England remained in contention, requiring 90 off the last 10 overs. Jamie Overton (28) and Jofra Archer tried to take them over the line, but Omarzai’s fiery spell (5/58) turned the tide in Afghanistan’s favor. England fell short at 317 in 49.4 overs, with Omarzai sealing the victory by dismissing Adil Rashid in the final over.

Key Takeaways from the Match

• Ibrahim Zadran’s 177: A record-breaking innings that laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s win.
• Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round brilliance: A crucial 41-run cameo followed by a career-best five-wicket haul.
• England’s missed opportunities: Despite Root’s century, England’s middle and lower order faltered under pressure.
• Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket: This victory marks yet another milestone in their growing dominance in global tournaments.

Brief Scores:

Afghanistan: 325/7 (Ibrahim Zadran 177, Azmatullah Omarzai 41; Jofra Archer 3/64)
England: 317 in 49.4 overs (Joe Root 120; Azmatullah Omarzai 5/58)
Result: Afghanistan won by 8 runs