Afghanistan clinches dramatic last-over win against England in Champions Trophy 2025
- By Web Desk -
- Feb 26, 2025
LAHORE: Afghanistan outclassed England in a thrilling last-over finish in the Champions Trophy 2025, securing a victory by 8 runs.
After losing their opening match to Australia, England faced a do-or-die situation. Afghanistan, on the other hand, not only secured a historic victory but also kept their hopes alive in the race for the semi-finals.
Chasing 326 for victory, Joe Root played a brilliant knock of 120 off 111 balls, keeping England’s hopes alive despite regular wickets falling.
England came close to victory several times, but Root, struggling with cramps, was dismissed in the 46th over.
Jamie Overton (32 off 28) and Jofra Archer (14 off 8) couldn’t finish the job, as no boundaries were hit in the final 15 deliveries.
England was bowled out for 317 with just one ball to spare. Afghanistan’s win was largely thanks to Azmatullah Omarzai’s remarkable 5-58 and Ibrahim Zadran’s stunning 177, which set new Champions Trophy and Afghanistan ODI records.
Earlier, Ibrahim Zadran unleashed a breathtaking 177-run innings, guiding Afghanistan to an imposing 325 against England in a crucial Champions Trophy 2025 clash at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Zadran’s sixth ODI century, adorned with 12 boundaries and six sixes, marked a historic milestone as his first ton against England in 35 ODIs.
Afghanistan’s innings got off to a shaky start as they decided to bat first on winning the toss. Jofra Archer’s devastating spell claimed three top-order wickets, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6), Sediqullah Atal (4), and Rehmat Shah (4).
However, opener Ibrahim Zadran, supported by the middle order Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi, steered the innings toward safer waters.
Zadran and Shahidi’s pivotal partnership repaired the early damage, propelling Afghanistan to a competitive total.
This crucial match is a do-or-die contest for both teams, as the loser will be eliminated from the tournament.
Earlier, England lost their opening game to Australia by five wickets on Saturday after setting the 50-overs world champions a target of 352.
England’s performances have dipped since then Buttler took charge as captain, however, with the side failing to defend their T20 and 50-overs World Cup titles.
They also face an early exit from the Champions Trophy unless they quickly turn things around, starting with their game against Afghanistan today.
Also read: Champions Trophy 2025: Semi-final qualification scenario after SA v AUS game result
With the Aussies and Proteas now at three points each, they remain favourites to advance to the semi-finals from Group B. Following Wednesday’s abandoned clash, England and Afghanistan find themselves in deep trouble, as the loser will crash out of the tournament. However, if rain prevents play, both teams will still have a slim chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.
England and Afghanistan have faced each other three times in the ODI format with England winning two and Afghanistan victorious in one
Afghanistan
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami.
England
Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Rehan Ahmed, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.