Afghanistan Stuns England, Marches Toward Champions Trophy Semifinals
What a game, what a moment! Afghanistan has pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, knocking England out of the tournament with a thrilling eight-run victory in Lahore. This wasn’t just any win—it was a statement, a moment of pure brilliance from a team that continues to rise on the global stage.
Let’s talk about the hero of the day: Ibrahim Zadran. The Afghan opener played the innings of his life, smashing a record-breaking 177 runs—the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history! This wasn’t just a knock; it was a masterpiece. Facing early setbacks with Afghanistan at 37-3, Zadran held his ground, built partnerships, and completely turned the game around. He faced 146 balls, hitting 12 fours and six sixes, leaving the English bowlers struggling for answers.
Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 325-7 in their 50 overs, with valuable contributions from Mohammad Nabi (40 off 24) and Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31). England’s Jofra Archer did his best to disrupt Afghanistan’s plans, taking 3-64 in a fiery opening spell, but Zadran had other ideas.
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Chasing 326, England had their moments. Joe Root was brilliant with 120 runs off 111 balls, trying his best to keep England in the fight. But Afghanistan’s bowlers stepped up under pressure. Azmatullah Omarzai was phenomenal, claiming a match-winning five-wicket haul (5-58), including the crucial scalp of Root in the 46th over. With England needing just 30 runs from the final four overs, their lower order collapsed, unable to find the boundaries when it mattered most.
The final moments were nerve-wracking. England needed a big finish, but Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerve. Jamie Overton (32) and Jofra Archer (14) fought till the end, but with no boundaries scored in the last 15 balls, England fell just short, bowled out for 317 with one ball to spare.
The celebrations from the Afghan players and fans were electric. This victory wasn’t just about eliminating England—it was about proving their place among cricket’s elite. Afghanistan now faces Australia in a high-stakes battle. A win would secure their place in the semifinals, a massive achievement after their stunning T20 World Cup run last year.
For England, it’s a tournament to forget. A team once dominant in white-ball cricket is now facing tough questions. Captain Jos Buttler looked dejected after the loss, acknowledging that changes might be needed. England’s exit, after back-to-back losses to Australia and Afghanistan, raises big doubts about the future of their leadership and approach to ODI cricket.
But today belongs to Afghanistan. They came, they fought, and they conquered. The world is watching—can they do it again against Australia? We’ll find out soon!
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