The political climate may have cast doubt over this game, but the thrilling scenes in Lahore made it an unmissable spectacle. Afghanistan scripted another fairytale moment in their cricketing journey, completing a historic double over England, following their World Cup triumph in 2023. The stunning victory eliminated England from the Champions Trophy, as Afghanistan secured a dramatic eight-run win in a nerve-wracking finish.
Ibrahim Zadran’s Masterclass Leads Afghanistan’s Charge
The hero of the night was Ibrahim Zadran, whose breathtaking 177 off 146 balls set the foundation for Afghanistan’s remarkable total. His innings, the highest ever in Champions Trophy history, displayed immense composure, tactical prowess, and aggression. His innings was the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s total, helping them recover from a shaky start at 37 for 3 in the ninth over.
Zadran’s partnership with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was pivotal. Their 103-run stand for the fourth wicket stabilized Afghanistan, before late contributions from Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31) and Mohammad Nabi (a blistering 24-ball cameo) propelled them to a competitive total of 326. The innings was a testament to Afghanistan’s resilience and adaptability against a formidable English bowling attack.
England’s Chase Falls Short Despite Root’s Heroics
England’s response was led by Joe Root, who played a magnificent knock of 120 off 111 balls. It was his first ODI century since the 2019 World Cup, showcasing his class and experience. However, with little support from the middle order and battling through cramps towards the end, Root’s valiant effort wasn’t enough to steer England home.
Phil Salt provided a promising start but fell early to Omarzai’s sharp bowling. Youngster Jamie Smith’s inexperience showed as he fell to Mohammad Nabi’s clever spin. Ben Duckett and Harry Brook tried to build momentum but succumbed under pressure, while captain Jos Buttler’s struggles continued, managing just 38 before falling to Omarzai.
With Root as the lone warrior, England still had a chance, needing 58 off the final six overs. However, his dismissal, courtesy of a sharp bouncer from Omarzai, left England with a steep mountain to climb. Late contributions from Jamie Overton (32 off 28) and Jofra Archer brought England tantalizingly close, but a composed Afghanistan bowling attack, led by Omarzai’s five-wicket haul, sealed the historic win.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Brilliance and England’s Tactical Errors
Jofra Archer’s fiery opening spell (3 wickets in the powerplay) initially put Afghanistan on the back foot, but their middle order fought back resiliently. The real difference, however, was Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Omarzai’s five-wicket haul, including the key dismissals of Buttler and Root, turned the tide in Afghanistan’s favor.
England’s tactics raised eyebrows. With limited bowling options, they relied on part-timers Root and Liam Livingstone for 12 overs. This decision backfired, especially in the death overs, where Nabi and Zadran capitalized with aggressive stroke play. Mark Wood’s injury further depleted England’s resources, making their defense of 326 a difficult task.
A Victory Beyond Cricket: Afghanistan’s Rise in World Cricket
With this stunning victory, Afghanistan advances to the semi-finals, setting up a high-stakes clash against Australia. Their journey from being underdogs to world cricket’s giant-slayers is an inspiring tale of resilience and passion. Amidst political turmoil back home, Afghanistan’s cricketers continue to provide hope and joy to their people, proving that sport remains a powerful force of unity and escapism.
For England, this defeat marks a disappointing end to their campaign and raises serious questions about their future in ODI cricket. As for Afghanistan, their remarkable rise continues, and their fairytale in the Champions Trophy is far from over.