Lahore – In a crucial Group B England vs Afghanistan match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, Afghanistan defeated England in a thrilling encounter, knocking them out of the race for the semi-finals. Chasing Afghanistan’s target of 326 runs, England was bowled out for 317 despite Joe Root’s valiant 120-run innings.
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The England vs Afghanistan match was played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. However, their decision did not seem favorable initially, as they lost three early wickets for just 37 runs. At this point, Ibrahim Zadran stabilized the innings, forming a 103-run partnership with Hashmatullah Shahidi (who scored 40) for the fourth wicket and a 72-run stand with Azmatullah Omarzai (41) for the fifth wicket. During this period, Zadran also reached his century.
England’s bowlers found themselves helpless when Ibrahim Zadran and experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi built a rapid 111-run partnership off just 55 balls for the sixth wicket. Zadran played a brilliant knock of 177 runs, including 12 fours and 6 sixes, before getting caught out on the first ball of the final over with the total at 323.
Just a run later, Mohammad Nabi was also dismissed after scoring a quick 40 off 24 balls, hitting 3 sixes and 2 fours. Afghanistan managed to post a competitive total of 325/7 in their allotted 50 overs. For England, Jofra Archer took 3 wickets, Liam Livingstone picked up 2, while Jamie Overton and Adil Rashid claimed one each in the England vs Afghanistan match.
England vs Afghanistan Match: Afghanistan Stuns England to Secure Victory!
In response, England fought hard but was bowled out for 317. While wickets kept falling at regular intervals, Joe Root played a sensational knock of 120 runs, building crucial partnerships and keeping England in contention for victory.
However, Afghanistan struck back at the right moment, dismissing Root in the final stages and taking the remaining three wickets to seal the win. With this victory, Afghanistan not only secured a thrilling triumph but also eliminated England from the semi-final race in the Champions Trophy.
