Afghanistan Secures Thrilling Win Over England in Champions Trophy 2025
Image credits: Photo By Aamir Qureshi/AFP via Getty Images
Afghanistan has secured a thrilling win over England in the Champions Trophy 2025, with Ibrahim Zadran's sensational 177 powering the team to a strong 325. This total, although seemingly underpowered in the context of recent scores at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, proved sufficient as England fell short by 8 runs. Zadran's innings, which included 12 fours and half-a-dozen sixes, is the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, surpassing his own previous record of 162 against Sri Lanka.
The match began with Afghanistan electing to bat, a decision that initially seemed to backfire as Jofra Archer's impeccable lengths reduced the opposition to 37 for 3. However, Zadran, in the company of captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, began the rebuild, finding boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. He reached his half-century off 65 balls, and the acceleration began shortly after, with Zadran taking down Jamie Overton for 16 runs in an over. The partnership with Shahidi crossed 100, but the latter fell for 40, attempting to reverse a full ball from Adil Rashid.
Zadran's innings was marked by periods of acceleration and brief slowdowns, but he consistently found ways to score, particularly in the company of Mohammad Nabi, with whom he opened up against a faltering England attack. The duo found successive boundaries and sixes, capitalizing on England's fielding errors and general clumsiness. Despite Liam Livingstone's return to bowl a tight 50th over, Afghanistan had already plundered 113 from the final 10 overs, setting a substantial total for their spin attack to defend. The Champions Trophy has seen its share of thrilling matches, but this win for Afghanistan will be remembered for Zadran's innings.
The brief scores from the match are as follows:
- Afghanistan 325/7 in 50 overs (Ibrahim Zadran 177, Mohammad Nabi 40; Jofra Archer 3-64)
- England fell short by 8 runs, resulting in their elimination from the Champions Trophy 2025
The implications of this win are substantial, not only for Afghanistan's chances in the tournament but also for the overall standings. England's exit opens up opportunities for other teams to advance, and the remaining matches will be closely watched. As the tournament progresses, the intensity and competition are expected to increase, making for compelling cricket.
afghanistan england ibrahim zadran afg trophy odi versu champion eng
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