Champions Trophy 2025: Who won yesterday's game between Afghanistan vs England?

England’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign ended in heartbreak as they suffered an eight-run defeat against Afghanistan in Lahore. In a must-win clash for both teams, Afghanistan emerged victorious, keeping their semi-final hopes alive while England’s struggles in white-ball cricket continued. Afghanistan defeated them in the 2023 World Cup in India. 

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Ibrahim Zadran was the star of the match, scoring a sensational 177 off 146 balls to claim the Player of the Match award. After winning the toss, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi opted to bat first. However, they found themselves in early trouble at 37/3. 

Opener Ibrahim Zadran stood firm, receiving valuable support from Shahidi (40 off 67), Mohammad Nabi (40 off 24), and Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 31). Zadran’s breathtaking knock of 177, laced with 12 fours and six sixes, became the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history and the highest-ever ODI score by an Afghan batter. 

Afghanistan posted a formidable total of 325/7 in 50 overs. England’s bowling attack was led by Jofra Archer, who claimed three wickets, while Liam Livingstone picked up two. Adil Rashid and Jamie Overton chipped in with one each.

Let’s take a look at England’s chase

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Chasing 326, England had a shaky start, losing two early wickets with just 30 runs on the board. Joe Root anchored the innings with a superb 120 off 111 balls, but the lack of support from the middle order proved costly. 

The strategy seemed to revolve around Root holding one end while power-hitters like Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone played attacking roles. However, with wickets falling at regular intervals and the lower order failing to capitalise on their starts, England fell short, getting bowled out for 317 in 49.5 overs. 

Omarzai starred with the ball, registering a five-wicket haul, while Nabi took two. Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, and Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up one wicket each.

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With this defeat, England is officially out of the tournament. They will play their final group game against South Africa in Karachi on March 1. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will face Australia on February 28 in Lahore, aiming to pull off another upset and secure a semi-final berth.   

Brief scores:

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first

Afghanistan: 325/7 (50) 

Ibrahim Zadran 177 (146), Azmatullah Omarzai 41 (31), Jofra Archer 3/64, Liam Livingstone 2/28

England: 317/10 (49.5)

Joe Root 120 (111), Jos Buttler 38 (42), Azmatullah Omarzai 5/58, Mohammad Nabi 2/57             

Afghanistan won by eight runs

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