Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Afghanistan pulled off a stunning eight-run victory over England in Lahore, knocking them out of contention for a semi-final spot in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Azmatullah Omarzai starred with a five-wicket haul, while Ibrahim Zadran’s record-breaking century set up Afghanistan’s highest-ever total in an ICC ODI tournament.
Chasing 326 in a must-win Group B clash, England fought hard but fell short, finishing on 317 all out. Joe Root’s brilliant 120 off 111 balls kept England’s hopes alive, but Omarzai’s late strikes, including the crucial wicket of Adil Rashid in the final over, sealed Afghanistan’s famous win.
Earlier, Zadran smashed 177 off 146 deliveries—the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history—to anchor Afghanistan’s innings. He built key partnerships with Hashmatullah Shahidi (103-run stand) and Mohammad Nabi (111-run stand) as Afghanistan posted a formidable total.
England’s Jofra Archer had put his team on top early, taking three quick wickets, but Afghanistan fought back. Despite Root’s century and Jos Buttler’s crucial 83-run stand with him, England lost wickets at regular intervals. Omarzai’s brilliance with the ball ensured Afghanistan emerged victorious, dealing a massive blow to England’s tournament hopes.
