The nail-biting Champions Trophy match between Afghanistan and team England has proved that the Asian squad is no more a minnow, an underdog, and an upsetter. It has emerged as a side with a swift stride that can bring world champions to their knees. In the ODI held at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore, the Afghan squad posted a total of 326 runs, built on Ibrahim Zadran smashing 177 of 146 balls.
Zardan’s knock produced 12 fours and 6 sixes. Chasing the score, the English side was decimated eight runs short and witnessed a fiery 120 in 111 balls by Joe Root. The final wicket of Adil Rashid in the penultimate ball by Azmatullah Omarzai was a clean catch by Ibrahim Zadran.
Omarzai swept five wickets in the match with an economy of 58 runs in 9.5 overs. With the loss, England is out of the tournament during the group stages.
There are four group stage matches left in the ODI series before the semis. Pakistan will take on Bangladesh today, while South Africa will face the English team on March 1, followed by India’s match against New Zealand on March 2. Meanwhile, the jubilant Afghan team will take on Australia tomorrow, which will be a high-octane match for sure.
#BREAKING Afghanistan knock England out of Champions Trophy 🏏 pic.twitter.com/nUcUBwWvlw — AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 26, 2025 The emotion.
🤩 The thrill. 🔥 The unbelievable repeat of ODI CWC 2023! 🏏 Afghanistan win their first ever #ChampionsTrophy match, and keep their hopes alive to qualify for the.
